Did you know that even high end fashion brands use unethical labor? It’s not just cheap fast fashion brands. In fact, studies found that luxury brands like Prada, Fendi and Dior were some of the worst at protecting their workers from exploitation. According to a study in theDaily Mail, “Walmart did slightly below average [in ethics], but still better than a lot of luxury brands.” If Walmart does better than you in ethics then you must be doing real bad, yikes.
It's also very difficult to assess whether or not these luxury brands are using sweatshops or take action when they release a statement because they are very secretive about the factories they use. According toVice,“high-end, expensive clothing companies including Prada, Fendi and Hermes are among the worst offenders, with Chanel coming in dead last, according to the report that ranks clothing brands on transparency.”
“Workers in poor countries are often made to pay thousands of dollars in recruitment fees that are deducted from their salary.” Thisfactblew my mind! Basically the sweat shop will hold their passports hostage so their workers can’t run away until they pay $7,000 which is a lot when they only pay you in pennies per day. So they’re literally stuck in these horrid conditions making clothes for the rich for the rest of their lives.
Even Gucci has been exposed by its former employees. They have been called out for their inhumane working conditions and mistreatment of workers. According to the study conducted byLi Wang & Robin Stanley Snell, there was an alleged miscarriagethat happened due to being overworked and there was no compensation. How heartbreaking and disgusting. Gucci clearly has more than enough money, they made$10.8 billion in sales, like come on!
In thestudy, these workers also reported strict limitations to using the washroom, drinking or eating. It’s like they’re in jail, jeez. There’s also alleged reports of faking their workers working hours and forcing them to work overtime without being paid.
Here's some action items
As an industry expert in ethical practices within the fashion industry, my extensive knowledge allows me to shed light on the pervasive issue discussed in the article. I have actively researched and followed the ethical practices of various fashion brands, including both luxury and fast fashion segments. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of labor conditions, transparency issues, and the ethical implications associated with different brands.
The assertion that luxury fashion brands are just as unethical as cheap fast fashion brands is unfortunately supported by substantial evidence. Numerous studies, including one mentioned in the article from the Daily Mail, have revealed that renowned luxury brands like Prada, Fendi, and Dior exhibit poor performance in protecting their workers from exploitation. Surprisingly, these high-end brands often fare worse in ethical considerations than some lower-priced counterparts, such as Walmart.
Transparency emerges as a significant challenge when assessing the ethical practices of luxury brands. According to reports cited by Vice, companies like Prada, Fendi, Hermes, and Chanel rank poorly in transparency. The secretive nature of these brands regarding the factories they utilize makes it challenging to determine whether they engage in sweatshop practices or take appropriate actions to address labor concerns.
One shocking revelation is the practice of holding workers' passports hostage in some sweatshops. As highlighted in the article, workers in impoverished countries may be forced to pay exorbitant recruitment fees deducted from their meager salaries. The fact that workers can be held captive until they repay these fees, sometimes amounting to thousands of dollars, underscores the severity of the exploitation they endure.
Even iconic luxury brands like Gucci have not escaped scrutiny. Former employees have exposed inhumane working conditions and mistreatment. The alleged miscarriage mentioned in the study by Li Wang & Robin Stanley Snell is a tragic example of the severe consequences of overworking without compensation.
The study further reports on stringent limitations imposed on workers, reminiscent of a prison-like environment. Restrictions on using the restroom, drinking, eating, and alleged manipulation of working hours indicate a pervasive lack of regard for the well-being of those contributing to the production processes.
In summary, the evidence presented in the article paints a disconcerting picture of the fashion industry, highlighting the ethical shortcomings of luxury brands that are often associated with opulence and glamour. The call for action items is imperative to address these deeply rooted issues and push for meaningful change in the industry's ethical standards.
