Brandy Melville: Contreversy Behind the brand

By Amber Fulop '26
    Brandy Melville has been facing criticism recently over its policies, drawing attention to issues such as racism, sexism, and the exploitation of young women. ​
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The brand, known for its “one size fits most” approach, has been called out for its exclusionary sizing and marketing strategies that primarily target teenage girls. 
Former employees have shared troubling accounts of a workplace culture that favors a specific image: typically young, thin, and white.
    Filmmaker Eva Orner, director of the documentary Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion, remarked on the brand’s impact, stating, “The level of exploitation against women is staggering.” Orner highlights that the company’s operations prey on the insecurities of young girls and extend to unethical labor practices in overseas factories. 
    The hiring approach has also been criticized, with former employees alleging candidates were selected based on their appearance rather than any skill-based qualifications. 
One anonymous ex-employee in the film noted, “They’re like 16-year-old girls. You can find, like, 700 different reasons to fire them.” This commentary underscores employees' pressure to uphold the brand’s image in a demanding retail setting.  
Despite the criticism, Brandy Melville remains popular among teenage girls. 
Junior Madison Meirzon shares, “As someone tall, I often struggle with finding long enough clothing. I love buying clothing from Brandy Melville because their pants are always long enough for me to wear.”
Junior Marley Fischer said, “My favorite part about Brandy is that when I am in the store, I don't need to sift through sizes or make sure my size is in stock. Everything is the same, which is more efficient and enjoyable.” 
As Brandy Melville’s popularity grows, many young consumers question the support of a brand criticized for promoting a harmful culture. 
Orner pointed out that even with increased awareness of the brand’s troubling issues, “A lot of young girls know that the company’s not great, but they still shop there. And I find that disturbing.” 
    Junior Arielle Karni says, “Despite the recent controversy surrounding Brandy Melville, Brandy Melville remains a favorite brand of mine due to its combination of good quality and affordability.” 
Aly Biloon, a senior, expresses loyalty towards the brand, declaring, “I love shopping at Brandy because they have the best clothing selection!”   
The documentary connects Brandy Melville’s operations to broader issues of overconsumption and environmental degradation. As the brand’s clothing is produced in Italy and often ends up in Ghana’s largest secondhand market, it illustrates the profound consequences of fast fashion on global communities. 
Chloe Asaam, Ghana operations manager for The OR Foundation, stated, “From the beginning of the supply chain to the end, we’re all being exploited by the same system.” This statement emphasizes the interconnectedness of fashion supply chains and their impact on disadvantaged communities.
    Despite these ongoing controversies, Brandy Melville continues to have a significant following among young consumers. 
This popularity highlights the complex relationship between consumer habits and social media’s influence on beauty standards. Many young shoppers are drawn to the brand’s aesthetic, shaped by online content that emphasizes exclusivity and trendiness. 
However, this raises important questions about the implications of their purchasing choices. Supporting a brand with troubling values may not align with their beliefs. 

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