The mock-croc look is in! Now while some celebs, (i.e. Ashley Olsen) not naming any names, will insist on the real deal and support an industry that costs the lives of magnificent crocodiles and alligators, we – along with fashion writers, shops and celebrities everywhere – know that fake is always better. Better for the sake of the animals and the mock-look is totally convincing. Alligators can naturally live up to 60 years, yet on farms they’re usually butchered before their fourth birthday, often beaten with hammers and sometimes take up to two hours to die. Check out these new ads aimed at the exotic-skins trade, pretty nifty huh? But what I want to know is, which do you prefer?

Adult film icon Jenna Jameson has unleashed her wild side again, but this time it’s for a sizzling new ad for pleather – the humane alternative to leather. Donning a black wig and saucy pleather underwear, Jenna evokes ‘50s pin-up Bettie Page, and boy does she look hot! Read all about the raunchy ad and watch an ‘in the making’ video with the lady herself on the PETA website.

As if Tobey Maguire wasn’t swoon-worthy enough, I’ve just found out that the Spiderman star reportedly bans all leather from his house. So any guest to arrive at the vegan’s humble abode is asked to remove all leather garments, including belts, shoes and bags, because the smell disgusts him. I know the feeling Tobey, leather stinks – literally and ethically.

According to site Female First, one guest of Tobey’s said: “I’ve seen women take off their shoes, belts, and even leave their $4,000 bags at the door. Tobey says the smell of leather makes him sick - he never has it around him.”

I wonder what he’d do if a fur-clad guest turned up at his home? Either way, this news – true or not – is great and something for other saucy celebs to aspire to.

Image: Libra Rising / Creative Commons

A big pat on the back to the veggie that stood up for his beliefs… over a bus. It’s not every day you see the words ‘vegetarian’, ‘bus’ and ‘complaint’ arrive in a neat little bundle, but alas that day is here. National Express West Midlands has decided to clad some of its buses out in leather, much to the distaste of veggies and cows all over. The reasoning behind this is apparently environmentally based, as there are hopes commuters will choose ‘comfortable’ public transport over their own cars.

I have two bones to pick here. One, what part of ‘tanning is bad for the environment’ don’t they get? The main concern here of course is the animal cruelty issue – the leather industry is a sad spectacle and I encourage you all to learn more if you are at all unsure why leather is a problem, as well as the more widely notorious fur.

Secondly, how on earth are leather seats more comfortable than the nice fabricy variety we’re used to?

Image: Vegetarian Friends / Creative Commons