Khloe Kardashian, along with other celebrities such as Katy Perry, Lil Nas X, Rita Ora, Hailey Bieber, and Yara Shahidi, has faced criticism for partnering with the controversial fast fashion brand Shein.
The Chinese retailer is known for its affordable clothing and popularity among Gen-Z, but it has also been accused of unethical business practices, including exploiting workers, stealing designs from smaller brands, and contributing to environmental pollution.
In August 2021, Khloe Kardashian announced her partnership with Shein as a judge for the brand’s Shein X 100K Challenge, a design competition aimed at supporting emerging designers.
However, fans were quick to express their disappointment in the comments section of Kardashian’s social media posts, pointing out Shein‘s reputation for ripping off small designers and the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment.
Shein has faced numerous criticisms over the years, including labor rights abuses and the use of synthetic, high-polluting fabrics in its products. The company’s hyperspeed pace of production also contributes to environmental issues, as old products are often discarded in landfills when new trends emerge. In response to these concerns, Shein announced plans to invest $15 million to improve working conditions at factories in its supply chain.
Despite its poor social and environmental record, Shein has experienced rapid growth, with its valuation reaching $100 billion in 2021.
The company’s success can be attributed to its ultra-fast fashion model, which involves producing up to 10,000 new products daily and relying on third-party suppliers in China for small batches of clothes. This approach has led to increased emissions from deliveries and returns, with most returned items ending up in landfills due to the high cost of putting them back into circulation.
Many people have called for a shift away from fast fashion brands like Shein, advocating for more sustainable and ethical alternatives such as secondhand, resale, and rental options. However, the continued popularity of companies like Shein highlights the challenges in changing consumer behavior and the need for greater awareness of the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion.
