Episode 205: The SHEIN-sodes, part 2: Bots, Stolen Art, and Phthala-what?!

This episode is part 2 in a short series about SHEIN: where it’s been, where it’s going, and how it is changing everything. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, go do that before listening to this episode.In this part of the series, we will be tackling:An update on SHEIN's IPO plans.Why and how SHEIN's low prices are unnaturally and unethically low.How SHEIN’s byzantine corporate structure virtually shields it from any legal accountability.SHEIN is infamous for stealing designs from artists and smaller brands. And also big brands! How is it doing that?How the way SHEIN runs its business could be endangering its customers (along with the people making its products).Additional reading (lots of sources again this week):"Experts say Shein’s U.S. IPO is all but dead," Ece Yildirim, CNBC."Shein sought to reassure US over China supply chain ahead of IPO," Financial Times."Shein’s London IPO plan in regulatory limbo as investors grow jittery, sources say," Coco Feng and Wency Chen, South China Morning Post."Shein UK breaches company law by failing to disclose human owner," Julia Kollewe, The Guardian."Shopping platform Shein poised to take major U.S. market share. UBS thinks these companies will be hurt most," Alex Harring, CNBC."Shein stole my design so I’m spilling all the tea and it’s PIPING HOT.""40+ Businesses Shein Stole Designs From: The Complete List," Ethically Dressed."‘Details I made, they made’ – designers hit back at Shein’s imitation game," Ellie Violet Bramley, The Guardian."Shein’s fast fashion comes with fast-finance risks," John Foley, Reuters."Artists Accuse Fashion Brand Shein of Using AI to Steal Their Designs," Maya Pontone, Hyperallergic."China’s Fast-Fashion Giant Shein Faces Dozens of Lawsuits Alleging Design Theft," Dan Strumpf, Wall Street Journal."New Lawsuit Lifts the Lid on Shein's AI-Powered Ultra-Fast Fashion Model,"The Fashion Law."How bots are stealing artwork from artists on Twitter," Tim Gerken, BBC."Experts warn of high levels of chemicals in clothes by some fast-fashion retailers," CBC News."Taking the shine off SHEIN: Hazardous chemicals in SHEIN products break EU regulations, new report finds," Greenpeace Germany."Seoul finds high levels of toxic chemicals in Shein products," AFP."What “Millennial Gray” Is, and Why It Has TikTok in a Tizzy," Apartment Therapy.And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP!Want to take advantage of the payment plan?Each payment is $50, spread over 4 payments.The first one happens when you buy your ticket.  You will use promo code INSTALLMENT1 at checkout (when you enter your payment info).  You will be charged $50 and you will receive your actual ticket via email immediately. Amanda will send you a link to pay the remaining payments on 6/25, 7/25, and the week of the jamboree.If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  [email protected] you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorseFind this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.comClotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.comSt. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month.  New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first p...