Gwyneth Paltrow is starring in the Tod's fall 2008 campaign, but the newly released advertisements have caused an outrage amongst animal rights activists.  The actress modeled the Italian company's fall 2008 collection, draped in fox fur, wearing fur-lined boots, and sporting leather, ostrich and snakeskin accessories.

Ironically, Gwyneth Paltrow is known for being one of the more eco-friendly celebrities and her husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, is a prominent celebrity vegetarian.  Even more so, Gwyneth has infuriated her personal friend, designer Stella McCartney, who does not use any animal products in her gorgeous designs.

But husband and designer-friend aside, she has really enraged animal rights advocacy groups, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Respect for Animals, causing them to lash out.  PETA even went as far as to criticize her parenting skills: "Gwyneth Paltrow won't be the apple of her daughter's eye if she continues to flaunt fur... It's a terrible example to set for a young child, promoting an industry that electrocutes animals, snaps their necks and skins them alive."

Harsh and graphic, indeed.  If you ask me, Mark Glover, director of Respect for Animals, expressed his anger and opposition much more effectively: "Gwyneth Paltrow should be ashamed to promote something so steeped in animal sufferining.  I can only assume that Paltrow either is ignorant of the facts or lacks human decency and compassion."  It's hard not to agree with that.

It's pretty amazing that this campaign has generated so much controversy because just a few years back it's doubtful anyone would have thought twice about seeing fur in an advertisement.  The green trendiness is finally taking hold!

Why would Gwyneth even agree to do this campaign?  I can only guess either for money or publicity.  And since she doesn't need the money, I'm going to assume Gwyneth just wanted a little more attention.  "No press is bad press", right?