Provocative photographer Tyler Shields has been courting controversy again with the help of girlfriend Francesca Eastwood (Clint's daughter).
The pair destroyed a Hermes Birkin bag (you know, the ones that can sell for upwards of $100,000 just like this red crocodile Birkin VS) as part of a photoshoot then faced an internet comment backlash, partly from fashionistas but mostly from people disgusted by the extravagance of the shoot against the background of the ongoing global financial issues.
Initially Tyler's blog noted "Destruction is a beautiful version of freedom" and TMZ reports that Francesca's response was essentially, "people just don't understand art".
But in the wake of the online backlash it seems that Tyler has reconsidered his position (well, slightly) and told ArtInfo that if somebody buys one of the Birkin photos he will donate $100,000 to a family in need - most likely one that mirrors his own childhood wherein his father suffered a stroke when Tyler was 15 years old.
"The Birkin photos are for sale. If somebody were to buy -- all right, let's do this. If somebody wants to buy one of the Birkin photos, I will donate $100,000 -- not to a charity -- but to a family. I will give one family in need $100,000 cash, tax-free."
Coincidentally, the Burning Birkin images from the series are for sale on the A Gallery website at $100,000 each.
Oh, and if you were previously unaware that Birkin bags were a Thing, you are Rory Gilmore and we are Emily Gilmore - watch the video below: