Stella McCartney to be honoured by Leonardo di Caprio

Tonight the British designer and eco- warrior will be presented with an award in recognition of her pledge not to use leather and fur in her designs.

'It's not just because I don't eat animals or that I think that half a billion animals a year shouldn't be killed for the sake of fashion,' McCartney said recently. 'It's because I also believe very much in the connection between fur and leather and the environment. There's a huge connection. Now, I think more and more people will start to take notice of that - the use of water for tanneries, the chemicals that are used - there's a huge impact environmentally.'

Founded in 1970 the NRDC works to protect wildlife and wild places and to ensure a healthy environment for all on earth. It has a clutch of celebrity supporters and tonight Leonardo di Caprio will present Stella with her award while fellow Hollywood eco-campaigner Alec Baldwin will host the night.

By Laurelle Gilbert

Posted: 30th March 2009