Shein's hiring of Castaner provokes outrage in the French fashion sector (#1688468)

The French Women's Ready-to-Wear Federation has expressed its “deep indignation” at the recruitment of former ministers, including Christophe Castaner, by Asian fast fashion giant Shein. This announcement came on the eve of the French Senate's review of its “anti-fast fashion” legislation.

In a statement issued on Monday, the federation called for “a massive mobilization of industry stakeholders, citizens, French parliamentarians and MEPs to counter this attempt to undermine anti-fast fashion laws and defend brands committed to a virtuous society.” and environmental practices”.

The federation harshly criticized the participation of former political figures, stating: “On the eve of the [French] “In the Senate’s review of the anti-fast fashion laws, passed unanimously by the National Assembly on March 13, 2024, we strongly denounce the explicit or implicit support given to Shein by former political leaders.”

“This lineup represents a clear attempt at greenwashing by a company that floods the market with low-quality clothing and exerts pressure to hinder ongoing legislative efforts,” the federation added.

On December 6, Shein announced the creation of strategic advisory committees to support its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The first three members appointed to the regional committee for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) all come from France: former Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, former Secretary of State for Victims' Rights Nicole Guedj and former President of the French Insurance Federation Bernard Spitz.

“The involvement of such public figures in a company whose environmental and social impacts are widely condemned sends an alarming signal at a time when concrete measures are needed to address the excesses of ultra-fast fashion,” the federation said.

Yann Rivoallan, president of the French Women's Ready-to-Wear Federation, said in the press release: “We cannot allow companies like Shein to trample on the efforts of an entire industry to adopt responsible practices.”

“These shameful partnerships between politicians and a destructive corporate giant should not shape our shared future,” Rivoallan added.

In response, Shein highlighted its economic contribution, claiming to have added €1.1 billion to Europe's GDP in 2023, while supporting 6,130 direct, indirect and induced jobs.

However, the federation responded by pointing out Shein's disruptive impact on the French fashion industry, noting that the e-tailer has more than 3 million daily users in France and is projected to grow by 30% in 2024, “destroying thousands of jobs in the fashion sector in the process.”