Eva Mendes is the latest poster girl for PETA’s “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign. The story of how the star of “We Own the Night” decided to bare her skin in the name of sparing our furry friends is a great example of the powers of gentle persuasion.

A stylist gave Mendes a fur to wear to her very first movie premiere, and Mendes didn’t hesitate to wear it. But she had second thoughts when PETA sent Mendes a “beautiful letter to comment on my less-than-educated choice.”

Mendes was so moved she vowed to never wear fur again. She shared her new compassion for critters in an interview with PETA:

Personally I think wearing a baby chinchilla says, “I’m ignorant,” vs. saying “I’m a badass.” I don’t think you can force people to change their attitudes, but you can help to educate them and to lead by example. ” There are way too many amazing faux fur options out there for people to still be wearing real fur. I want people to know that there are options; that killing a poor animal and wearing it isn’t cool. But respecting all life forms is cool. Very cool.