The documentary “Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion” explores the exploitative practices of the Brandy Melville brand, positioning it as the ultimate fast-fashion empire that is harmful to both the planet and the women who starve themselves to fit into its childlike clothes. The film highlights the brand’s colonialist roots, environmental damage, and the toxic consumer culture that values perceived coolness over ethical concerns. Despite previous exposés on the brand’s unethical practices, such as journalist Kate Taylor’s report in 2021, Brandy Melville’s sales have continued to thrive without significant changes to its internal operations.
The documentary exposes shocking allegations against Brandy Melville, including discriminatory hiring practices based on appearance, questionable labor practices in its supply chain, and top executives sharing offensive and inappropriate content in a group chat. Former employees reveal that the company went to extreme lengths to only hire thin, white teens who fit the brand’s image, leaving many staff members with severe eating disorders. The label of “Made in Italy” on its garments hides the exploitation of Chinese immigrant workers in sweatshops, as well as the environmental impact of dumping waste in Ghana.
The secrecy surrounding Brandy Melville’s corporate structure and the lack of accountability of its founder Stephan Marson raise concerns about the company’s transparency and ethical standards. The film highlights how the brand’s business model relies on churning out cheap items that contribute to environmental degradation and the mistreatment of workers, particularly women of color. By exposing the brand’s unethical practices, the documentary aims to urge viewers to boycott Brandy Melville and push for greater accountability in the fast-fashion industry.
One of the most disturbing revelations in the film is the existence of a group chat among top executives of Brandy Melville, where anti-Semitic memes and pornographic images were shared. The documentary also includes accounts of sexual assault and exploitation within the company, further highlighting the toxic culture that pervades the brand. Additionally, the film uncovers a practice known as the “foot pic farm,” where employees were pressured to send photos of their chests and feet to the founder, who would use them for product research and potentially fire them based on their appearance.
Overall, “Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion” sheds light on the dark underbelly of the fast-fashion industry, exposing the exploitative practices of a popular brand like Brandy Melville. By uncovering the brand’s discriminatory hiring policies, questionable labor practices, and toxic workplace culture, the documentary calls for greater accountability and transparency in the fashion industry. Through its shocking revelations and disturbing accounts, the film challenges viewers to rethink their support of unethical brands and advocate for a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
