The controversy behind Brandy Melville has been gaining a significant amount of attention lately, particularly in regard to its toxic workplace environment. The brand which was founded in Italy in the 1980s, first rose to fame in the United States in the early 2010s. They are widely known for their trendy clothing most popular among teens and young girls and their “one size fits all” philosophy. This idea has been at the forefront of the various criticisms surfacing about the brand.
Reports from former employees and investigative journalists have painted a troubling picture of Brandy Melville’s internal practices. Allegations include discriminatory hiring practices, a culture of favoritism, and inappropriate behavior by top executives. One of the most striking aspects of the controversy is the claim that the company prioritizes a specific, often unrealistic body image, which is not only reflected in their “one size fits all” policy but also in their hiring practices. Employees have reported that the brand hires individuals based largely on appearance, perpetuating a narrow standard of beauty that excludes many potential workers.
Former employees have come out with countless allegations including discriminatory hiring, favoritism based on race, and other inapprioate behavior by some of Brandy Melville’s top executives. One of the most obvious examples of the discriminatory behavior in the company is their hiring of models and employees based on weight and appearance. Reportedly, CEO of the compan, Stephen Marsan, would ask that the white employees be placed on the floor of the store, while the employees of color be assigned to doing stock in the back. All employees– who are also all young females ranging in ages from 15-20– would be required to take a full body photo of themselves each day they clocked in to work. These photos would then be sent to Marsan, who would have any girls he didn’t like the look of fired. Moreover, past employees describe the work environment as rampant with body-shaming, racist remarks, and sexist comments.
However, the controversy extends way beyond the toxic work culture; it also touches on the the broader implications of promoting a such a homogenous standard of beauty. With their “one size fits all” policy, Brandy Melville is implicitly endorsing a specific body type as the ideal, which can be so harmful to the mental health and habits of their customers, which consist of young, developing girls. The apparel sold by the company would realistically be sized as extra small or small in other stores, which is marginalizing those who do not fit this mold and so consumed with image.
There has been a recent uprise in reaction to the controversial store, with calls for boycotts, demands for the company to reform its practices, and even an entire HBO documentary on the topic. In response, Brandy Melville has faced increasing pressure to address these allegations and improve not only their workplace, but their inclusivity. Thus far, nothing has been done to change their sizing policy; but with stronger public support and demands, this revolution of Brandy Melville could be just the thing society needs. Such a powerful message can be sent to so many young girls of the next generation that there is mold you need to fit in; and clothing can more strongly embraced as a form of style expression, rather than trend chasing.
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