AIBU to think ill of anyone who buys 'fashion-items'?

[MyFamilyAndOtherAnimals1]

I've just watched a harrowing documentary which uncovers the horrific industry behind the suppliers of high-fashion brands (Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Dior ect).

These top-end companies have so much money, power and influence to make a good difference in the world and yet, they don't. I don't understand why people add to their power, by buying their horrifically-made products - when the companies lie, coverup and ignore how they make their products.

Am I unreasonable to think that anyone who buys from these companies is either stupid or so narcissistic that they just don't care?

If you want to see the documentary, it's a DW documentary called 'Luxury: Behind the mirror of high-end fashion' - the lady who made it put herself in danger on multiple times, and was extremely brave to get this footage and evidence -

• it's on YouTube -

Most of what you buy is made under horrific conditions.

I don’t think it’s ethical to buy from such brands. Anyone doing so can afford to buy from ethical brands.

Nevertheless, let’s not assume that everyone who sometimes acts unethically is stupid and/or narcissistic. I’m certainly not perfect. Are you?

Any company - Tesco and Next or whoever - have the money and power to do more good in the world than they currently do.

Singling our lux brands makes you sound jealous.

@dontalltalkatonce - true, but, as FriedasCarLoad says, those people who buy from big fashion companies have the ability to be ethical, and yet they choose not to.

@FriedasCarLoad - I think when it is so blatantly wrong to purchase such an item, an item which is not essential to living - then yes - in this instance, it is stupid, or they don't care and are thus narcissistic.

Its interesting because usually the outrage is aimed at cheap fashion shoppers- primark, newlook ect and for the most part people shop there through necessity rather than choice. If you can afford designer labels then you can afford choice

So judge them away if it makes you feel better, My. Sounds really petty, though, and totally OTT to label them 'narcissists' because they chose to spend their own money in a way you don't approve off .

Perhaps ignorant and naive rather than stupid?

@Peony99 I would like to think that anyone who watches that documentary will never want to buy a 'luxury' fashion item again.
I don't judge people who shop at Tesco and Next because they (most likely) have more limited resources.

@dontalltalkatonce There is nothing petty about it. It's a billion dollar industry supporting inhumane working conditions and horrific animal abuse.
If people only care about themselves and how they look, rather than the millions of ill-treated people and animals in this industry, then yes - they are narcissistic.

Most of what you buy is made under horrific conditions

I don’t necessarily agree with this.
I work in logistics and have bid for business from a number of fashion and apparel brands. Their requests on information surround compliance and a transparent supply chain, even down to tier 2 and 3 suppliers, suggests to me that the landscape is changing. People are looking for more ethically sourced clothing, and there are a lot of companies now who seem to put a great deal of effort in to making sure this happens.
Not just regarding child labour, but fair working practices for all staff, fair pay etc etc

That’s just based on what I see though.

Maybe they like the product, bit of a stretch to label them with a psychiatric condition like narcissistic personality disorder .

I take it you're a vegan as well then?

I’m sure people all know this, but look at any brands corporate website (especially if they’re a PLC) and you can usually find a wealth of information on how they’re tackling these issues.

I know it isn’t necessarily proof but...

Watch 'Fashion's Dirty Secrets', a Stacey Dooley doc

www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/5a1a43b5-cbae-4a42-8271-48f53b63bd07

It's not just high fashion.

That's a good idea @Ethelfleda .
Though it is still really difficult to work out which brands are ethical - for example, there are many issues with H&M but they are also the best at greenwashing their brand (eg. their 'sustainability pledge etc)

You only knew about this after watching the documentary Op so how can your criticise others?

@Lava - thanks - although that's a different side to it all, it's still good to be reminded about it. @Pass - everyone must have an inkling of what these companies are like? The documentary only compounded what I thought.

I remember being so shocked at the polluted water source the town has, the people are covered in serious rashes. That was high street fashion.

I think everyone needs to think how what they are consuming affects others.

It was cotton wasn’t it Lava? It was horrifying. Apparently 1 pair of jeans needs more water to make than 7 people average in their lifetime