Shein has been named as 2022 most popular fashion brand following a report compiled by Money.co.uk. The company, formed in Nanjing in 2008, was named the most Googled clothing brand in 113 countries, surpassing Zara and ahead of other clothing giants such as Nike and adidas by a wide margin. Just a few hours after the news broke, Shein too accepted work hour violations in which some employees worked 75 hour weeks and only took two or three days off each month. The news broke up in a succession of events that perfectly sums up the majority of fast fashion: low prices, high human cost. So that’s great!
At a time when sustainability seems to be the word on many companies’ mouths, the question arises as to why Shein remains the fashion giant that it is. Their record against workers’ rights is damning, as is the information about his unsustainable environmental modelwhere it occurs around 700-1000 new parts a day, plus all other orders that need to be fulfilled, leaving behind 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year as a byproduct.
The low price of their products continues to be a complex issue, due to the fact that for many, cheap clothing is essential for many, especially now that we are entering a cost of living crisis in the UK. Instead, the power to make change rests largely with the fast fashion brands themselves or with global governments that could impose restrictions that would cut their production for the good of workers and the environment.
In September, members of the audience at the SS23 Coperni The show let out an audible gasp as Bella Hadid had a dress sprayed over her body in real time. The special polymer used during the performance can be melted back into a liquid, ready to be used again. It was a stunt that caught the attention of millions of people around the world and showed that there is a clear interest in creating new and innovative ways of creating sustainable clothing. Sadly though, fast fashion is clearly showing no signs of slowing down; Hopefully, with its popularity, there can be a different approach to mass-producing clothing, without having to sacrifice healthy work environments or further harm the planet.
Source: news.google.com