Burberry has defended itself after being slammed by PeTA and other animal rights groups for wearing fur.

"There will be occasions where the use of fur will be important to the design and aesthetics of a product," the British fashion house said in a statement. "We will not use fur if there is a serious concern that the fur has been produced by the unacceptable treatment of the animals concerned."

Supermodel Kate Moss is also embroiled in a new controversy after fronting a campaign for Burberry containing animal fur. "I've written in the hope that she will think twice before wearing or advertising fur in the future," said the director of the World Society for the Protection of Animals.