It's Almost Libby Awards Time! December 17, 2008

Posted by Patricia at December 17, 2008 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack

Wow, the holidays are right around the corner, which means its time for all of that celebrating, spending time with long lost relatives, and spreading joy. And let's not forget about the presents!

Speaking of presents, I'm hoping Santa is bringing me lots of cute vegan shoes, which reminds me that it's almost time for peta2's third annual Libby Awards!

The Libbys are peta2's way of recognizing veg-friendly foods and restaurants, and animal-friendly companies, bands, celebs, labels, athletes, and movies among others. Oh, and here's where you come in, we want your input!

Got a favorite clothing company, shoe, or line of cruelty-free cosmetics you can't live without? Tell us about it!

What companies or products would you nominate for the following categories?

• Best Animal-Friendly Clothing Company (Skelanimals was last year's winner.)
• Best Men's Vegan Sneaker (Macbeth's Aberdale Vegan ran away with the prize in 2007.)
• Best Cruelty-Free Cosmetic Company (Last year e.l.f. wiped out the competition.)
• Best Women's Vegan Shoe (My fave category! Keds Eleanor Grosch Skimmers was your fave shoe for 2007.)
• Best Cruelty-Free Hair Product (Manic Panic Hair Dye topped last year's list.)

Comment below with your choices for a Libby! Then don't forget to check back on January 6 to see if your faves made the cut...and to vote!

Mission Accomplished: Fur Is Dead May 20, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi at May 20, 2008 1:42 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 14 ) | TrackBack

Greetings friends. As you know, we've been pushing hard for a few months now to reach our goal of 100,000 Strong Against Fur. Good news. We did it! Thanks so much to everyone who came together to send a loud and clear message: Fur Is Dead!

Now that we reached our goal, we'll be in an even stronger position than ever before to approach companies to stop selling fur and push for fur-free fashions around the world! We're still keeping all the stuff up at peta2.com/furisdead, though, so keep up the great work. We're now more than 100,000 strong and we want the number to keep growing!

Other than all the awesome Street Team members and peta2 friends on MySpace and Facebook, we want to give a special thanks to Skelanimals.

The staff over at Skelanimals has been absolutely amazing to work with and they've helped with all the artwork you've seen on leaflets and shirts. Plus, they were even kind enough to help set up all the models you've seen featured in the photos of the shirts. E-hugs for them!

Ok so that's where we're at right now. The fur industry's future is not looking good.

So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

-Pulin

Anita Khachatourians - Fur Is Dead! April 4, 2008

Posted by Ashleigh at April 4, 2008 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

Happy Friday everyone! Anita Khachatourians is, sadly, the last of the amazing "Fur Is Dead" supporters we'll be profiling. Don't get too sad, because she is awesome!

Anita K. was born in Madrid, Spain and raised in Los Angeles. This self-described "girl next door" aspires to be a well-known fashion designer and a print and runway model. She wants to let everyone in the fashion industry know that "Fur Is Dead"! Anita loves animals (especially penguins!) and supports peta2 in all our efforts to end cruelty to animals.

Check out our Q&A with Anita about the campaign:

What do you define as your personal style?
I have a very edgy, trendy, funky, but classy style. My look is very rock 'n roll glam with a little punk, but girly at the same time.

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
Fashion "do's" are gold jewelry, black nail polish, oversized purses, and leggings. My fashion "don'ts" include fanny packs, sweaters tied around the waist, and dressing monochromatically.

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
I love animals too much and the thought of animals being tortured for snotty girls to wear makes me angry and upset.

What is your favorite animal? Why?
Penguins are my favorite animals because they look like they wear tuxedos and walk so cute. I wish I had a bunch of penguins as pets.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
I love vegetarian soup of any kind.

Want to meet this lovely lady in person? She will be signing autographs at the peta2 booth at Bamboozle Left this Saturday with Audrey Kitching, Christine Dolce, Linda Strawberry, Matthew Lush, Davey Suicide and Aldo Vento! Go say "hi"!

-Ashleigh

Don't forget to sign the 100,000 Strong Against Fur Pledge if you haven't already!

Aldo Vento - Fur Is Dead! April 2, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders at April 2, 2008 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack

Ladies and gentleman, I present you the next "Fur Is Dead" supporter...Aldo Vento!

Aldo is a 20-year-old vegetarian model/freelance hair stylist who loves music, traveling, friends, and standing up for equal rights for gays and lesbians.

Get to know Aldo a lil better by checking out our Q&A with him below:

What do you define as your personal style?
My personal style is very forward. I like to wear anything that stands out. Cheap Mondays are my favorite jeans. I have a lot of striped tees and American Apparel 50/50 tees in all colors. I wear hoodies all the time—especially when my hair is a mess! And oh, my undies have to match my shirts LOL!

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
Hmm...I think everyone should wear bright colors for spring and summer—yellows, oranges, reds, and rainbows! I'd like to see more sleeveless hoodies. Fashion dont's: leave your faded black tee in your closet.

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
I couldn't imagine being born, living my life in a cage, and then being skinned for my coat. I choose not to wear fur because it's wrong, it looks tacky and stinky.

What is your favorite animal? Why?
My favorite animal is a monkey! They are just so cute and funny! They remind me of little hairy people who don't talk.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
My favorite vegetarian dish is something called the "Rock & Roll Noodle" at this vegan restaurant in Los Feliz. It's pan-fried wide rice noodles with tofu, chili sauce, basil, tomato, bell peppers, bean sprouts & jalapeno sauce. It's yummy!

~

Thanks Aldo! Be sure to stop by the peta2 booth at The Bamboozle Left to see Aldo who will be signing copies of the Skelanimals' "Fur Is Dead" poster below at the peta2 booth along with Audrey Kitching, Christine Dolce, Linda Strawberry, Matthew Lush, and Davey Suicide!



xoxo-Lara

Linda Strawberry - Fur Is Dead! March 31, 2008

Posted by Ashleigh at March 31, 2008 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack

Hi everyone! I'm back and I have another gorgeous "Fur Is Dead" supporter for you to meet: Linda Strawberry!

Linda's motto is, "let's get more creative and be less about being famous". This violet-haired, Santa Claus believing, song-writing machine is an LA transplant from Utah. She is a visual and sonic artist who values compassion and knows that "Fur Is Dead"! See her on MySpace and Buzznet and drop her a line!

Check out our Q&A with Linda about the campaign:

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
Not really because I think fashion is another way to express creativity. So, I don't like fashion "rules". I think people should be able to look like whatever they want. I love making my own clothes and trying to make basic things look more interesting. That said, I have an "outfit" that is default: black tights, black boots, black miniskirt and black tank-top.

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
Because I think fur is beautiful on the animals that grew it on their own skin. When I see it on humans it just looks like death . . . evidence of the murder of a once beautiful creature. GO FAUX!!

What is your favorite animal? Why?
Larry, my fat cat. He is my favorite animal because he sings and he's the cutest little love machine I have ever met.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
Anything at Real Food Daily. But probably the cashew cheese nachos.

Stay tuned to the peta2 blog for more updates about all the wonderful people taking part in the "Fur Is Dead" campaign!

-Ashleigh

Oh, and please sign the 100,000 Strong Against Fur Pledge if you haven't already!

Sean Starkey and Jessica Louise - Fur Is Dead! March 28, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders at March 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

There is nothing better than fashion—especially fur-free fashion! That's why I am so very pleased to introduce you to our next two Fur Is Dead supporters: Jessica Louise and Sean Starkey!

Jessica runs an amazing custom clothing line, called Jessica Louise, which has been seen everywhere from the pages of AP Magazine to the back of Avril Lavigne. Jessica Louise Clothing can be described, much like the artist herself, as equal parts punk rock power and fairy-tale girliness. I love it!

Check out out Q&A with Jessica below:

What do you define as your personal style?
When I am going out for an event, my style is classic girly pencil skirt or dress with a ruffle stripe top custom jewelry by Natalia Fabia heels socks and sock garters.
If I am working, 100% all about comfort cotton t, jeans, hoodie, and Chuck Taylor's.

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
Fashion do's: lots of bright cottons in soft textiles, be comfortable in your own skin what ever makes you feel beautiful (unless it involves the harm of another creature) is a fashion do.
Don'ts: super cut off jeans shorts where your ass hangs out with a cropped shirt and neon visor, spandex with sweat & head bands, gloves or any other object that is not actually a hat as a hat. And obviously any fur or pelt of any nature.

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
Because my vanity is not more important than the life (or lives) of other creatures. There is no need to wear fur. There are so many beautiful alternatives. People who wear fur are under the false assumption that it makes them seem more sleek or expensive, when in reality it just makes them less appealing and trashy.

What is your favorite animal? Why?
Beaver - The waffle tail is appealing, excellent swimming skills, one of my favorite animals to draw and discuss.
Shark- Powerful magnificent and very scary.
Black Bear- Just beautiful I love bears I draw them all the time. My main logo is a bear head.
Sea Turtle- Sea turtles esp but all turtles for some reason make me smile. I see a photo of a sea turtle and it makes me happy.
Also Chihuahua, Red eared slider turtles, and adopted stray cats. We have a 2.1.1 ratio of those in our family.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
Certainly: Amy's Soy Mac & Cheese. Who doesn't love mac & cheese, and this one is the best I've ever eaten- and I've tried a lot of different kinds.

Sean works for the absolutely amazing photography icon and PETA friend David LaChapelle, building and designing sets. He has also fronted two bands you might be familiar with: KarmaHitlist and ShotBlue!

Get to know Sean a lil better with our Q&A with him below!

What do you define as your personal style?
Civilized Disobedience in tight black Wrangler stay press.

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
Dont's: Socks and sandals, cut off socks for wristbands, baggy Dickies, and squirts.
Do's: Tight jeans, slim fit t-shirts, corsets, way too many necklaces, and grandma sunglasses—looks jazzy!

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
Because my dad was a hunter and used to kill animals. It grossed me out hardcore. It's traumatic. Only lame rich upscale wannabes would wear real fur. We're not bloody cavemen trekking across the Arctic. Use your brain. Clothing has evolved, and so should you.

What is your favorite animal? Why?
Meerkat. Meerkat Manor, need I say more? Top notch!

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
I like Soyriso...the Mexican dish, instead of chorizo. It's good in a tortilla with hot sauce. Boogie down now! (jazz hands)

Thanks guys!

xoxo-Lara

P.S. I just saw the Buzznet video from the Skelanimals' Fur Is Dead photo shoot, and it's amazing!

Check it out by clicking on it!

Sabina Kelley - Fur Is Dead! March 26, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders at March 26, 2008 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack

Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone supporting the Fur Is Dead campaign is really, really, ridiculously good looking? Case in point, the next Fur Is Dead supporter I am profiling is internationally known pinup model Sabina Kelley.

Sabina is a well-known pinup model and burlesque dancer from Vegas. Sabina also owns the Staytrue Tattoo shop with her husband, and is covered in tattoos. I am sure she would support the peta2 statement "Ink Not Mink"!

Find out more about Sabina by taking a look at our Q&A with her below:

What do you define as your personal style?
I'm a Pinup Model, so I guess I define my style a cross of Rockabilly and Psychobilly. I love the 40's and 50's style from the cuffed up blue jean capris to the glamorous dresses. I have a Bettie Page haircut and always wear red lipstick. I'm obsessed with high heels and vintage lingerie.

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
My fashion do's: always have a pair of black heels and a tube of red lipstick in your car, you never know when you're gonna get a flat tire and need some roadside assistance. Ha ha! My fashion don'ts are never wear sweats out of the house unless you're going to the gym, and never wear turtle necks or shoulder pads. Also, never wear socks if you're wearing capris. I don't like socks anyway unless I have to wear them to go bowling.

Why do you choose not to wear real fur? I don't wear real fur because I'm an animal lover, and I don't like it when people take my coat when it's cold outside, so why would you take an animal's?

What is your favorite animal? Why?
My favorite animal is a dog. I have an 80 pound Pit-bull who is my best friend. She never pisses me off and always loves me no matter what.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it? My favorite vegetarian dish is a vegetarian burrito. Mexican food is my favorite and veggie burritos are the best!

What a doll! Thanks Sabina!

xoxo-Lara

Jason Mageau - Fur Is Dead! March 24, 2008

Posted by Ashleigh at March 24, 2008 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

Hey guys! I have another "Fur Is Dead" supporter for you to meet: Jason Mageau!

Jason is a graphic designer who hails from Los Angeles. He fell in love with design while creating and selling merch on tour with his screamo band ShotBlue. Like most people when they fall in love, Jason put everything else on hold and decided to pursue his passion full-time. He and a friend partnered to create Malus Clothing (which is awesome!) and he is now the Creative Director for the Skelanimals Men's line. How cool is that? What I think is even cooler is that both Malus and Skelanimals say N-O to fur!

Check out our Q&A with Jason about the campaign:

What do you define as your personal style?
I am a pretty basic guy, my closet consists of mainly black . . . a few colors here and there. I love striped shirts right now. To be honest I try to not follow trends, but get what I like from a brand no matter if it is sold at the local hot spot or not. If I see something I like, I make it work.

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
I try not to accessorize. I have many tattoos and adding more than I need to an outfit is tacky. There are a lot of people who think more is better...in all honesty, less is more. You do not want to look like a combination of your favorite store's jewelry section on each of your hands, fingers and arms. I mean I know jelly bracelets are cool and all, but you don't need 150 on each wrist. I also would never wear real leather, fur, or anything taken from an animal.

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
I know enough about textiles and the resources the fashion industry can get their hands on. There is no reason in my mind you should strut your stuff with a fox around your neck. Try this next time you need to keep your neck warm...walk up to your little brother or sister, knock them out cold and toss them over your shoulder and see the response you get from people in the mall. It is the same concept for me. Bottom line -- it is barbaric.

What is your favorite animal? Why?
I have to say I am a huge cat lover. I somehow relate to my cat I have now as if he were my lil' buddy, like if he could talk I would be able to finish his sentences. I know it sounds weird, but my kitty is in the window at the exact time I pull up from work. He then runs down to the door to say hello every day. He knows when to make noise in the morning if I choose to hit snooze more than one time, and get me out of bed...he's a smart lil' guy.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
I have yet to really venture into vegetarian food, but I am slowly learning about it.

Jason is so great! I wish that everyone boycotted using animal products in clothing. Stay tuned to the peta2 blog for more updates from all the wonderful people taking part in the "Fur Is Dead" campaign!

-Ashleigh

PS - Don't forget to sign the 100,000 Strong Against Fur Pledge if you haven't yet!

Michelle Star - Fur Is Dead! March 21, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders at March 21, 2008 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

Hey guys! I have another "Fur Is Dead" supporter for you...the lovely and talented, Michelle Star! Michelle is a cutting-edge music and fashion photographer, who has worked with everyone from All Time Low to Pink to Plain White T's.

She also shoots for clothing companies like peta2 fave Skelanimals, and shot all of the gorgeous "Fur Is Dead" ads you have been enjoying these last few weeks.

Take a peek at Michelle's beautiful self-portrait below, and then check out our Q&A with her!

What do you define as your personal style?
I am influenced by a lot of independent designers and the music industry. As far as clothing goes, I keep it simple, but like wearing a lot of different accessories. Even though I wear a lot of black, I like incorporating color into my style by dyed hair, tattoos and accessories. It's hard to define a person's style, but overall I like being creative and unique. Being that I am a photographer, I am drawn to interesting people, and love being creative in everything that I do.

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
I would just say wear what you feel comfortable wearing that goes with your personal style, and don't try to wear things other people do just to try and fit in. As far as what not to wear I am sure there are a million things I could say, but I am going to stick with not wearing fur.

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
I wouldn't wear my dog's fur so why would I wear fur from any other animal? I think it's cruel to kill animals for fashion. Every creature should have a right to live free from pain and suffering.

What is your favorite animal? Why?
When I was younger my favorite animals were panda bears and polar bears because they are just so cute, but I fell in love with dogs once I got an Italian Greyhound. She is so playful and loving and has a personality of her own.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
I like a lot of different pastas and I am also a big fan of edamame.

Thanks girl! I actually just met Michelle at SXSW and she is just as cool in person as she sounds. Speaking of cool, have you played our new Skelanimals Quiz yet?

xoxo-Lara

Vic Fuentes - Fur Is Dead! March 19, 2008

Posted by Ashleigh at March 19, 2008 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBack

Hey everyone! I have another "Fur Is Dead" supporter for you to meet: Vic Fuentes!

Vic is the singer and guitarist for the progressive post-rock quartet Pierce the Veil. These boys rock some heavy music that will blow your mind. Seriously! You know what blows my mind? That Vic refuses to wear real fur!

Check out our Q&A with Vic about the campaign:

What do you define as your personal style?
Bright shirts and anything that fits me tight. I've overcome my fear of shopping in the girls' section because their clothes fit better and I have no shame.

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
Not really, I think people should wear what they dig.

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
It's totally creepy to think that you're wearing someone else's skin...like Texas Chainsaw Massacre...not cool.

What is your favorite animal? Why?
Monkeys! I got to hold one when we were in Mexico and it was amazing. I wanted to take him on tour with us.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
I love it when we get hummus at venues before the shows. Good stuff.

I really like Vic! He's in a band, he's clever, he loves animals . . . Anyways, be sure to hit this summer's Vans Warped Tour and check out this compassionate boy AND peta2! And stay tuned to the peta2 blog for more updates from all the wonderful people taking part in the "Fur Is Dead" campaign!

-Ashleigh

OMG! Don't forget to sign the 100,000 Strong Against Fur Pledge if you haven't yet!