The Ministry of Culture addressed a complaint to the clothing sales company Shein, due to a floral print that was used in one of its garments offered by social networks and that has the description of “Fan-shaped top with floral print”.
The federal agency details that this garment is identical to one designed in 2017 by the “Yucachulas” brand, except for the edges of the neck, sleeves and the finish of the final bows.
“I strongly speak out against the cultural misappropriation of these blouses or short huipiles, which are made in various mava communities in the states of Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo, as part of the identity of these peoples and as an economic alternative for their livelihood. daily”.
“The elaboration of each one of these pieces implies hours of work due to the precision that each stroke requires, as well as to achieve the combination of colors that give depth to each floral design,” Alejandra Frausto detailed in the document.
The Ministry of Culture demanded that the Shein company explain on what grounds it privatized a collective property, such as these huipiles with a Mayan worldview and that communities in the south of the country work on, and how they are repaid.
“Since it puts artisanal work at a disadvantage, compared to one carried out in a massive and industrial way, affecting the economy of the original carriers and creators,” the document details.
The agency invited the company to carry out respectful work with indigenous communities within an ethical framework that does not undermine the identity and economy of the peoples and always adheres to fair trade that places creators on an equal footing. indigenous people, entrepreneurs and designers.
Likewise, the artisan brand Yacachulas accused Shein of plagiarism and of offering the blouse for less than a quarter of handmade clothes.
“We are surprised by the precision with which they plagiarized the design since when observing and comparing the details of the flowers, leaves and colors they are identical. The “change” they made was to put a different color on the edges of the arches, the rest is an identical model. And an artisan garment will never be the same as another, they will always be unique, “he details in the publication.
What does Shein say about it?
The company claims that it is not its intention nor is it within its business model to infringe anyone’s copyright, which is why it decided to remove the product from its site.
“SHEIN suppliers are required to comply with company policies and certify that their products do not infringe the intellectual property of third parties. If we discover that any supplier is not in compliance, we take immediate action.”
“At Shein, we respect and celebrate all cultures. We reaffirm our respect for the artisans of Mexico and around the world,” the company detailed in a brief statement.
