People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) made lots of noise last week about recruiting Kimora Lee Simmons (formerly Mrs. Russell Simmons) as its latest spokesmodel.

One problem. Well, several, actually. Her “Baby Phat” line of clothing includes tons of items that PETA campaigns against.

Take this jacket for instance: Wool varsity jacket sparkles with bling on signature design in front and kitty logo at backside. Features zip front closure and leather accents on long sleeves and welt pockets.

Baby Phat sells dozens of styles of leather shoes, too. And then there’s this little number:

Give a gift that provides fashion at their fingertips. These chic gloves are fashioned for an all-over genuine leather construction for a timeless design they’ll wear all season. With rabbit fur cuffs to give them extended warmth and embroidered cat logos for a touch of BP flair.

Rabbit fur cuffs? Earth to Kimora: They look gorgeous, but PETA kinda frowns on that.

This leaves me wondering if PETA was just clueless, or if the appeal of a B-list hip-hop fashionista was enough for the group to forget its whole mission.

Wait a minute: Now it all makes sense! PETA’s press release says “Simmons has donated more than $20,000 to PETA.” So this is like buying indulgences from the 16th Century Catholic Church! (Modern day equivalent: Carbon credits.)

Hey PETA: If I donate $100 to my local animal shelter, can I go fishing next weekend and make a London broil when I get home? Or does the money actually have to go to you? That might be a deal-breaker.