[China] Shein influencer trip backlash in wake of labour law violations

In recent years China-based global fashion brand Shein has earned criticism and increased scrutiny for labour law violations and its environmental impact. Now the e-retail giant has provoked another social media backlash after inviting six influencers to tour its facilities, Forbes reports.

Six influencers were brought to China to tour one of Shein’s factories, innovation centre and warehouse where the fast fashion brand’s clothing is designed, made, packaged and shipped.

Popular Instagrammers Aujené, Dani Carbonari, Destene Sudduth and Fernanda Stephany Campuzano reportedly designed a collection, in collaboration with Shein, that was released on June 26. Kenya Freeman and Marina Saavedra also numbered among the six influencers who toured Shein’s facilities. Some have subsequently deleted coverage of their visit.

Ms Carbonari’s video and the social media responses it provoked created a Twitterstorm based on the belief that she and other influencers were shown a model factory and paid to promote propaganda.

The controversy followed criticism Shein has received after investigative reporting revealed that the company’s use of quick, cheap labour violates Chinese labour laws and negatively impacts the environment.

A House committee report recently named Shein as one of the fast-fashion brands that has been evading US tariff laws and violating human rights codes.

The trip also happened amid growing speculation that Shein will go public.

Source: Forbes

(Links via original reporting)

In recent years China-based global fashion brand Shein has earned criticism and increased scrutiny for labour law violations and its environmental impact. Now the e-retail giant has provoked another social media backlash after inviting six influencers to tour its facilities, Forbes reports.

Six influencers were brought to China to tour one of Shein’s factories, innovation centre and warehouse where the fast fashion brand’s clothing is designed, made, packaged and shipped.

Popular Instagrammers Aujené, Dani Carbonari, Destene Sudduth and Fernanda Stephany Campuzano reportedly designed a collection, in collaboration with Shein, that was released on June 26. Kenya Freeman and Marina Saavedra also numbered among the six influencers who toured Shein’s facilities. Some have subsequently deleted coverage of their visit.

Ms Carbonari’s video and the social media responses it provoked created a Twitterstorm based on the belief that she and other influencers were shown a model factory and paid to promote propaganda.

The controversy followed criticism Shein has received after investigative reporting revealed that the company’s use of quick, cheap labour violates Chinese labour laws and negatively impacts the environment.

A House committee report recently named Shein as one of the fast-fashion brands that has been evading US tariff laws and violating human rights codes.

The trip also happened amid growing speculation that Shein will go public.

Source: Forbes

(Links via original reporting)