Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion
Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion looks closely at the brand Brandy Melville and the fast fashion industry. Like I mentioned in class, Brandy Melville has a lot of controversy, not only because of its one-size-fits-all clothing, but also because of the culture and values behind the brand. One of the main issues discussed in the film is sizing. Brandy Melville only sells one size, which usually fits very small bodies. This sends a message about what kind of body is accepted and valued. For many young girls and teens, this can hurt confidence and body image. The documentary shows that this sizing choice is not random. It is part of the brand’s image and marketing, which focuses on a very narrow idea of beauty. The documentary also talks about serious problems inside the company. Former workers share stories about unfair treatment, racism, and being judged based on looks, body size, and race. These stories show how strict and harmful the brand’s standards can be. Employees felt pressure to fit a certain image to belong or succeed. The film also connects Brandy Melville to the larger fast fashion system. Fast fashion focuses on making clothes quickly and cheaply to keep up with trends. This often leads to poor working conditions and damage to the environment. The documentary encourages viewers to think about where their clothes come from and how their shopping habits affect others. Overall, Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion is uncomfortable to watch but very important. It helps viewers understand the harm behind certain fashion brands and pushes us to think more carefully about inclusivity, ethics, and responsibility when buying clothes.
-- Emily
Wow! I checked out the website for the clothing and they only sell xs or s clothing. That's crazy. It's stores like this that feed into eating disorders. I had never heard of the clothing store until you talked about it in class. I would hope that parents would not let their children shop at their stores. The limitation on sizes is so gross.
ReplyDeleteEspecially a store with such a large platform promoting these ideas is so harmful to young girls and women. I know younger girls have started shopping there and having this reenforcing idea that only one size is deemed socially acceptable will have later consequences in body image and self reflection.
ReplyDeleteI remember going to stores like this when I was younger. I have always been at least a medium in clothes for as long as I can remember. I was bigger as a child compared to my friends yet I was the only one in sports, I never understood that I was bigger because I had more muscles than other girls. Stores like Brandy Mellville made me feel bad that I couldn't fit into their clothes, I would constantly over look my strength and only see my size.
ReplyDeleteI saw clips of this on Insta and I have always wanted to watch it. Also, I see videos on tik tok of skinner girls complaining that Brandy's clothes are getting "bigger" and it is not fair which I thought was crazy.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this, but all of the information checks out with how clothing brands are these days. Some brands specifically carry smaller sizes in stores or online to rule out and push other people out that don't fit their brand, which is odd if a company is wanting money. I think this is interesting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing more about this! I have always been interested in watching this documentary, and your explanation definitely encouraged me to watch it more.
ReplyDeleteI’m shocked I’ve never heard of this, or I don’t remember if I saw any media coverage on it. Especially with a clothing brand as popular and mainstream of Brandy Melville. The fact they still have a brand is also shocking with all that came out about them. To have a brand that rides on self acceptance and bodily diversity, targeted towards younger women. It brings up discussions about what brands are truly pro-women and the ones that aren’t by doing things such as these.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this but I'm going to watch! I know from personal experience going into Brandy Melville is not a fun experience, seeming as though everything is branded as "one size" yet fits only one size of girls comfortably.
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