With a long history of animal rights activism, particularly involving her eponymous fashion brand, it’s almost surprising it hasn’t happened before now.
The title is awarded by the global non-profit for compassionate work in championing animal rights.
McCartney, the daughter of Paul McCartney and late wife Linda – both outspoken vegetarians – took this year’s title after launching a new campaign this year to encourage other designers to stop using animal products.
McCartney admits she and PETA have a long history.
“PETA and my parents collaborated to shape what animal rights are today, which is why I feel so honoured and privileged to be named Person of the Year,” she says.
“I have felt connected and committed to this courageous, rebellious, kick-ass movement since I was very young, from our joint video calling to ban fur farms in the UK in 1998 to our feather-free pledge for the fashion industry in 2024.”
Her brand has been free from fur, leather, and feathers since its launch over 20 years ago, becoming a go-to brand for luxe, sustainable vegan fashion, bags, shoes and other accessories.
“I feel so proud to have a team around me who also see the importance in raising awareness not only for animal rights, but human rights and our planet as well,” McCartney says.
McCartney wore a custom shirt with the sassy slogan “It’s About F**king Time” during her father Paul McCartney’s inauguration into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and this year she repurposed the phrase to call on the fashion industry to end its use of animal leather.
She named her Winter 2024 campaign, “It’s About F**king Time to End Leather.” Kicking off the campaign during New York Fashion Week, she enlisted PETA supporters and actor Caylee Cowan to pose nude in the window of her flagship store alongside signs proclaiming, “No Leather Ever!”
Recently, McCartney also joined PETA in launching the Feather-Free Pledge, calling on designers and retailers to never work with feathers.
