Model Irina Shayk has defended wearing a controversial gown featuring a lifelike lion's head at Schiaparelli's show at Paris Fashion Week.
On Monday (local time), the Russian supermodel walked the runway at the event in a black corset number with an embroidered lion made from foam, wool and silk faux fur attached to the front.
After animal rights activists and celebrities questioned Schiaparelli's creative director Daniel Roseberry's intentions with his latest creations, Shayk took to social media to voice her support for the designer.
"I support these incredible artists who worked tirelessly, with their hands, using wool, silk, and foam, to sculpt this embroidered Lion, and image of Pride, An image that @schiaparelli invokes while exploring themes of strength," she captioned an image of herself in the couture outfit on her Instagram page. "I am honored to have been called on as well to lend my art as a woman to this @danielroseberry."
The 37-year-old was joined on the runway by Naomi Campbell, who donned a black coat with a wolf head attached, and Shalom Harlow, who wore a white dress with a snarling snow leopard on the bodice.
In addition, beauty mogul Kylie Jenner sat front row in a dress very similar to the look modelled by Shayk, which proved equally controversial.
In a statement, Roseberry explained he was influenced by Dante's poem 'Inferno' when crafting the collection.
"(Three) animals sculpted and embroidered by hand, celebrating the glory of nature and guarding the woman who wears it. Thé léopard, thé lion, and thé she wolf. All from Dante's Inferno," he wrote.
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