PETA announces worst-dressed list

Nicole Richie has topped the world's worst-dressed list according to PETA, the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals charity, for wearing too much fur. The organisation stated: "this pelt-wearing party girl is all animal skin and bones, she's an incredible shrinking woman with the heart to match." Ashley Olsen, twin sibling of Mary-Kate Olsen, ranked number 2 on the list. Others included Christina Ricci, who they claim wore reindeer fur in a recent magazine and Eva Longoria who allegedly has a penchant for rabbit fur.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have more than a million members and supporters, and is the largest animal rights organization in the world. Founded in 1980, PETA is dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals, which includes the principle of not wearing fur for decoration. PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in laboratories, in the clothing trade, and in the entertainment industry.

The clothing industry in recent months has regularly been scrutinised for its use of fur and the debate about using animals for apparel is as poignant as ever. Burberry has come under attack for its use of fur as the company continues to use fur in its designs despite the fact that leading clothing retailers like Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Ann Taylor, Polo Ralph Lauren, and others have pulled fur from their shelves.

Lindsay Lohan was dropped from PETA's list as she was spotted in London last week wearing a white fake fur jacket and an anti-fur button on her hat. Other celebrities, such as Pamela Anderson, use their status to support organizations such as www.caringconsumer.com , where animal-free products can be bought online and where you can find lists of ethical companies.