The news has sparked outrage amongst animal activist groups who argue that the dress is unnecessary and cruel, with Viva animal rights activist Justin Kerswell asking, "Isn't the way we treat farmed animals bad enough without turning their dead bodies into a runway freakshow?"

UK Labour MP Kerry McCarthy described the dress as "absolutely grotesque," adding, "I think most people will find it sickening and repulsive."

However, Freire defended her actions by saying she was "simply recycling" and the experience of creating the dress had made her "aware of the animal itself".

"I create fashion using material that would otherwise end up on the scrap heap. What I am doing is recycling. The people criticising are clearly clueless about the amount of leather wasted on a daily basis."

Comprised of 3,000 cow and yak nipples, the dress has been likened to Lady Gaga's controversial meat dress from earlier this year, which the singer argued was a representation of free will.

"As you know, I am the most judgement-free human being on the earth. If we don't stand up for what we believe in and don't stand up for our rights, pretty soon we're going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones," said Gaga at the time.