Episode 262: How to "background check" a brand (featuring Quince)

In a world of greenwashing, wall-to-wall podcast ads, and affiliate marketing "listicles," it's really hard to know if a brand is actually as sustainable and ethical as it claims.  Well, Amanda has been looking into this kind of stuff for years, so in this episode they will show you exactly what they do when they want to figure out the true story of a brand.  And specifically, we will unpack Quince as an example!In this episode:Is Quince as sustainable and ethical as their marketing seems to claim?What are some obvious red flags that a brand is not sustainable and ethical?Why are sustainable fashion organizations, writers, and activists no longer receiving as much funding as they once did?Why does Amanda feel "weird" about the Commons app?Why is a job review site (Glassdoor) a surprisingly useful addition to your slow fashion toolbox?And why can't we shop our way to a better world?Also: Six years of Clotheshorse...and introducing, CONWAY!Helpful links and reading:@sustainablefashionfriend@alookbehindtheseamsGood On YouEco-StylistCobbled Goods"Not everyone is loving Quince's dupes," Chantal Fernandez, The Cut."Williams-Sonoma sues Quince over sales of 'dupe' products," Jonathan Stempel, Reuters."Beyond Compare? Quince Battles Class Action Over Its ‘Traditional Retail’ Pricing Model," ArentFoxSchiff"I got a cease and desist from Quince," Ecocult.Amanda's first post about the Esprit sweatshirt (you can also find this on IG)"About that viral Esprit sweatshirt...the revolution will not be for sale at Costco." (you an also find this on IG)The new Clotheshorse PO Box: 69 Main Street, Box 16  New Providence, PA 17560Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/Until the end of July, use promo code THEPRICEISRIGHT to get 50% off all merch! Amanda and Dustin care for a colony of 12 feral cats and they want to get them all fixed this spring. So help them cover that cost by picking up some hot deals on Clotheshorse merch.If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.worldDid you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorseClotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded by designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz. Ruby just launched CLO3D for Custom Fit: a 12-week beginner-friendly online course in virtual patternmaking with CLO3D software. Instead of making sample after sample, you can now customize avatars that match your real body measurements and fit-test garments virtually—before cutting into a single piece of fabric. You can also work from your pre-existing paper or PDF patterns! This course is designed to get you over the initial hump to working confidently in the program. It includes 300+ bite-size video lessons spaced out over 12 weeks, weekly live Q&A calls for accountability, a custom body scan to use as a you-sized virtual dress form, and a super supportive community of like-minded designers that are all learning together in a cohort. Perfect for indie patternmakers, emerging designers, or anyone who wants to design clothes that actually fit their one-of-a-kind body.Learn more about the course, as well as our in-person sewing and patternmaking workshops at www.slowfashion.academy.Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco