“And isn’t it ironic? Don’t you think?” When I got this email from SHEIN, the words to Alanis Morrissette’s famous song started playing in my head. Lots of songs float through my head every day, mostly Harry Styles songs, but this song seemed appropriate as I read SHEIN’s email.
In a twist that could only be described as ironic, I, a vocal advocate for sustainable fashion, received an email from SHEIN, the fast fashion giant, asking “me” to collaborate with them. The email read:
“Good day! We at SHEIN are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest clothing brand, and we couldn’t help but notice your exceptional style and passion for fashion. After carefully reviewing your profile, we believe you possess the qualifications for an exciting collaboration with us.”
What the what????
The email went on to detail the perks of this collaboration, including monthly packages of SHEIN products, PR packages, and a compensation of $1000 per post. They emphasized their desire for me to join their influencer campaign, to amplify exposure and penetrate their fan base.
How do I describe my feelings about SHEIN’s proposal? Laughable – maybe. Pathetic? Totally disconnected from reality? Do they not bother to “google” people before trying to work with them? Are they trying to buy me off with $1000 a post? Or is SHEIN such a behemoth of a company they simply don’t care? I’m just some random Gen Z female on social media who might spew their message and try to sell their crappy clothes. Yeah it’s probably the latter.
SHEIN, a brand that has become synonymous with the dangers of fast fashion, reaching out to someone who has dedicated her platform to combatting everything they stand for. It’s like a soda company asking a fitness guru to promote sugary drinks, or an oil corporation seeking partnership with an environmental activist.
My previous blogs have been vocal about the dangers of fast fashion, particularly highlighting SHEIN’s role in this unsustainable industry. From exposing the toxic chemicals in their clothing to discussing their alarming global ambitions and environmental footprint, I’ve been anything but a supporter of their practices.
In my blog, “Protest FIDM Partnership with SHEIN,” I called out the brand for its shocking human rights violations and detrimental manufacturing practices. The partnership between FIDM and SHEIN, which I actively protested against, was a clear contradiction of the values of sustainability and ethical fashion.
SHEIN’s outreach to me is a glaring example of how disconnected some fast fashion brands are from the sustainable fashion movement. It shows a lack of awareness or concern for the values and principles of the influencers they target. This blind spot in their marketing strategy is not just a misstep; it’s a reflection of the larger issues within the fast fashion industry.
This experience has reinforced my commitment to sustainable fashion. It’s a reminder of the importance of staying true to our values and continuing to advocate for a fashion industry that respects both people and the planet. As consumers and influencers, we have the power to demand better from the brands we support.
While SHEIN’s offer might be tempting to some, it’s a hard pass for me. My mission remains clear. The journey towards sustainable fashion is long and challenging, but it’s a path I choose to walk.
And since I brought Alanis Morrisett into this. I took the liberty of rewriting some of her lyrics for this moment. 🎵🎧🎶
And isn’t it eco-logic?
Don’t you think?
It’s like finding vintage on a shopping spree,
It’s that perfect fit you get sustainably,
It’s the fashion tip that you just didn’t heed,
And who would’ve thought? It figures.
Hope you like my lyrics! If you are interested in connecting just email me at Lexy@eLEXYfy.com
Follow me on my socials:
- Instagram: @lexysilverstein
- Youtube: Lexy Silverstein
- Twitter: @eLEXYfy
- TikTok: @lexysilverstein
- Facebook: Lexy Silverstein
- Liketoknow.it/lexysilverstein
