Episode 206: The SHEIN-sodes, part 3: Influencers, Forced Labor, and Bad Glassdoor Reviews
This episode is part 3 in a short series about SHEIN: where it’s been, where it’s going, and how it is changing everything. If you haven’t listened to parts one and two yet, go do that before listening to this episode. In this part of the series, we will be tackling the human impact of SHEIN: Unpacking the meaning of "sustainability" using the UN's Sustainable Development Goals as a measuring stick for figuring out just how sustainable fast fashion isHow the early days of SHEIN might indicate something about the priorities and values of SHEIN's founderWhat it’s like to work for SHEIN in the garment factories and here in the U.S.That embarrassing SHEIN influencer trip and other bad faith marketing movesSHEIN’s connection to forced labor and how that ties into the de minimis loophole How SHEIN becoming the standard for making and selling clothing will impact everyone, even people who have never bought anything from the brandHow WE can change SHEIN's trajectory (yes, we really can) Additional reading (lots of sources again this week): UN Sustainable Development Goals"Fast Fashion Report Cards Show What’s Really in Your Clothes," Phoebe Sedgman and Jennifer Creery, Bloomberg."New study links major fashion brands to Amazon deforestation," Laura Pitcher, The Guardian."How fashion is distancing itself from deforestation," Rachel Cernansky, Vogue Business.This is What Minimum Wage Would Be If It Kept Pace with ProductivityLiving Wage Calculator"Shein invited influencers on an all-expenses-paid trip. Here's why people are livid," Vanessa Romo, NPR."Shein exploited marginalized women for their influencer trip. It worked," Elizabeth de Luna, Mashable.Toiling Away for SHEIN, Public Eye."Untold: Inside the Shein Machine review," Jack Seale, The Guardian."PR Platitudes and New Laws: Where is Shein heading?," Public Eye."After a UK Documentary Revealed Abuses, Shein Says it Will Spend $15 Million Improving Labor Conditions," Emma Burleigh, Observer."Interviews with factory employees refute Shein’s promises to make improvements," Public Eye."Inside North Korea's Forced Labor Program," Ian Urbina, The New Yorker."Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control: Inside Shein’s Sudden Rise," Vauhini Vara, Wired."The Search for the Next Shein," Chavie Lieber, Business of Fashion. And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP! If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses: The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens. Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and acces
