Image: HBO Max
Taking both the fashion and film industry by storm, Brandy Melville Clothing Co, is causing quite the storm. The controversy created by the "Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion” documentary, creating room for important conversations surrounding fast fashion, as well as ethical and equitable concerns when it comes to the fashion industry. Let's take a look into the influence of this film.
First, a short synopsis. (Spoiler Alert! It's BAD!)
"Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion” focuses on uncovering the dark secrets of the popular fashion brand. Founded in the early 80’s the fashion brand primarily targets teen girls. Through a series of interviews, collected footage, and narration the viewer gets a sense into the inner workings of the fashion industry, or should I say fast-fashion industry.
The ethical Concern is hard to miss.
Brandy Melville is one of the worst rated brands in terms of ethics. Horrendous, it almost downplays the inner workings of this brand. Brandy Melville is considered fast-fashion. This is due to the unsustainable nature of production. The practices they utilize to manufacture their products are damaging to the environment. Adding to pollution and landfills, by manufacturing clothing at expedited speeds. With fast-fashion practices, those who are employed to produce such clothing are exploited. Labor is exploited, as employees are forced to work long hours, while being underpaid, in hazardous work environments. Brandy Melville also exploited employees in the higher level of the cooperation. This excludes exploitation of models, in sexual manors. As well as lack of accreditation to those responsible for marketing schemes and campaigns.
It gets worse. The equitable concern is sickening.
Brandy-Melville is size exclusive. There is one size. Yes, one size. That size being a US XS, and the brand tends to run small. This led to a plethora of body image concerns when it came to the company and its “one-size-fits-most” campaign. Even more damning is the door installed in a Brandy Melville outlet in Paris, intentionally so small only those who “fit” the sizing of the store can enter to browse the products. The brand is intentional in its behavior to exclude fashion to a certain demographic.
STAY AWAY FROM BRANDY MELlVILLE.
If the ethical and equitable concerns weren enough to convince you to steer clear of the brand, trust me the product is not worth it. The product is overpriced for the quality. These clothing pieces are manufactured in the same spaces, cheaper options are. It is not worth your time or your money I PROMISE. If you seek a vintage 90’s look often offered by Brandy Mellville, check out your local thrift store. There are some hidden treasures amongst the rack. Please be cautious, and shop sustainably, don’t take more than you need.
A concluding statement,
Fashion is meant to be inclusive and diverse. Fashion is meant to exude one's personal style, enhance their unique character. Fashion is not meant to harm those producing or consuming product. It is important to maintain the positive nature of Fashion and avoid fast-fashion brands. For the betterment of society and the environment it is crucial to avoid fast-fashion, and shop sustainable.
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