In this edition of Lon Harris’ weekly Passionfruit column covering creator labor issues, we’re exploring the notorious Shein influencer trip and when to say “no” to that lucrative promotional offer.
Analysis
Recently, the Chinese “fast-fashion” brand Shein invited a group of American creators to tour their facilities in Guangzhou, China. The result has been a controversy with blowback for the Shein brand and its online creative partners, in a story that highlights the inherent allure and potential pitfalls of influencer brand deals.
More than anything else, the Shein saga is a cautionary tale for creators working with corporate partners. It’s a warning against sacrificing your values — and skepticism — in exchange for money or access. To understand why the trip proved so ill-fated for the internet creator, we have to reconsider why Shein likely wanted to fly this group to Guangzhou in the first place.
