Here's what Farah Khan Ali & Rina Shah have to say about the Birkin controversy

Jane Birkin wants nothing to do with this one Birkin.The British actress declared that she wants fashion house Hermès to remove her name from its iconic crocodile skin bag after a PETA expose on unethical treatment of the reptiles. In the event that this allegation is true, where does this leave our desi Birkin women and how do they feel about the bag losing its iconic name in the future? ETPanache spoke to some of them:

Farah Khan Ali

The jewellery designer, who owns a red leather Jaipur Red Birkin, gifted by sister Sussanne Khan, says, "I'm against all unethical practices in any luxury industry, be it in fashion or jewellery."

Babita Malkani

Malkani, a fashion designer, admits the Birkin is the ultimate status symbol. "Everyone feels that if you have a Birkin, you've arrived. Yes, I do own a Birkin. I bought it for its craftsmanship, colour and brand value. But I was completely unaware of the atrocities related to creating a Birkin. So henceforth, I would refrain from acquiring one," she says.

Rina Shah

Shah, a footwear designer and polo player, reveals she doesn't own a Birkin and that she is mindful of how a reptile is tortured for its skin. "I strongly recommend that people should avoid exotic skinned-products made from crocodiles and other reptiles," she says.