WHEN ULTRA-FAST FASHION TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER MORALITY

Version française ici.

WHEN ULTRA-FAST FASHION TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER MORALITY

Unfortunately, Shein needs no introduction. A Chinese online platform that recently established a physical presence in France, this is the face of ultra-fast fashion in the 21st century. Fashion at breakneck speed, whose existence is the nemesis of modern environmental and social issues.

FAST FASHION VS ULTRA-FAST FASHION

While many rightly criticize Shein’s ultra-capitalist model, others argue that this is merely hypocritical criticism from consumers of brands such as H&M, Bershka, and the highly controversial Zara.

However, between the Black Death and the Cholera, it’s the first one which is the most deadly, having claimed 25 million lives. And yes, although fast fashion is defined by very rapid mass production of up to 36 collections per year, compared to four for a traditional fashion brand (according to WeDressFair), the ultra version is breaking all records with ever lower prices and increasingly disastrous production conditions.

Usually, a “ regular” brand puts four new products on the shelves every day. However, according to Bon Pote, that number rises to 500 for Zara, the face of fast fashion. But the joke, the prank, the catastrophe doesn’t stop there: for Shein, we’re a long way from four or 500. Much further. 8,000 to be exact. 8,000 (eight thousand) new products put on the shelves every day. As a true literary soul, math has never really been my strong suit, so I’ll leave you to do the math!

(For the lazy ones: a difference of 7,500 more products per day.)

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

A quick look at the Shein website is all you need: most of the clothes are made of polyester. And according to the WWF, it takes around 1.5 kg of oil to produce 1 kg of polyester. Yep. Unfortunately, when it comes to the use of polyester, we can’t blame the Chinese brand alone: some premium and even luxury brands use it extensively, albeit at exorbitant prices.

But beyond polyester and the environmental impact in general, other factors, such as working conditions come to darken this already bleak picture.

“This right to fashion that we pride ourselves on is based on taking away rights from other women in other countries.”

– Féris Barkat

Activist and co-founder of the Banlieues Climat association

Ultra-fast fashion is much more than bad materials and (very) affordable prices. Behind it all lies a real social AND ecological disaster. On the social aspect, working and living conditions are absolutely deplorable: according to a report published by Action Aid France, in the heart of Guangzhou located in the south of China, many homes also serve as workshops to ensure continuous production day and night.

“In Kangle, we observed that Shein relies on a massive, fragmented, and virtually uncontrollable subcontracting system,” states the report after an investigation conducted in the region.

Add to that a little child labor, subcontractors paid peanuts, and the recent scandal involving child pornography dolls, and you get… the opening of a store at BHV! So, it pays to be ethical apparently.

MORE RESPECTFUL ALTERNATIVES

Alors que la décision de Fréderic Merlin d’implanter Shein au cœur du BHV dans le centre de Paris a fait l’objet de diverses manifestations et continue d’être la polémique du moment, c’est LE moment idéal de se pencher sur 5 alternatives plus respectueuses des droits de l’Home et de l’environnement :

#3 ETHICAL NEW CLOTHES

Since prices are obviously higher than a typical fast fashion brand, the goal is to prioritize quality over quantity. Consuming less, but in a more responsible way, is pretty cool after all.

#3 ETHICAL
NEW CLOTHES

Since prices are obviously higher than a typical fast fashion brand, the goal is to prioritize quality over quantity. Consuming less, but in a more responsible way, is pretty cool after all.

#2 SECOND HAND STORES

In Paris (but not only there!), there are many second-hand stores offering very inexpensive clothing.

⚠️ We are talking about real second-hand stores, not “vintage stores” where a jacket from the 90s costs €170!

#2 second hand stores

In Paris (but not only there!), there are many second-hand stores offering very inexpensive clothing.

⚠️ We are talking about real second-hand stores, not “vintage stores” where a jacket from the 90s costs €170!

#1 ONLINE SECOND HAND

I don’t need to present them to you anymore: Vinted for a bit of everything, Vestiaire Collective for high-end/luxury brands—secondhand shopping is HERE! And when there are no delivery issues, it’s really nice for your wallet.

by. Shinigabry