Why We Won’t Knowingly Use Anything From Temu or Shein

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  At Vintage Florrie, sustainability and ethics are more than buzzwords — they are core values that guide every decision I make, from sourcing props to choosing suppliers and designing your event. Because of this, I’ve made a firm commitment: I will not knowingly buy or use any props, décor, or materials from Temu or Shein.

  
  

  Here’s why this matters.

  
  

  1. Exploitative Working Conditions

  
  

  Multiple investigations have highlighted extremely poor working conditions within

• factories linked to these companies. Reports include:

  
  

• Unsafe and hazardous environments

• Long hours for unfair, below-standard pay

• Cases of child labour

No styling choice, no “bargain,” is worth contributing to these harmful systems.

2. Theft From Independent Designers & Makers

Temu and Shein are notorious for copying the work of small businesses, independent artists, and makers. Their original designs are taken without permission, reproduced with cheap materials, and sold for a fraction of the price.

For small creatives — people who have poured hours, money, and talent into their craft — this is financially and emotionally damaging. There’s almost no route to compensation or even acknowledgement. As a small creative business myself, this is something I will never support.

3. Chemical Safety Concerns

Research has raised serious concerns about the chemical content of many fast-fashion and low-cost mass-produced items from these platforms.

Some products — including children’s clothing, toys, books, and home décor — have been found to contain harmful substances due to lack of safety testing or regulation. Without transparency, there’s no way to guarantee that what you’re buying is safe for you, your family, or your event space.

4. A Multi-Million-Dollar Problem

Despite enormous profits, the workers creating these products continue to face dangerous conditions and inadequate pay. These companies thrive financially while the people behind the scenes remain undervalued and unprotected.

5. What Vintage Florrie Does Instead

My commitment is to source responsibly and thoughtfully.

Here’s how I build the Vintage Florrie collection:

🌿 Auction houses

🌿 Charity shops

🌿 Online auction sites

🌿 Local sellers

🌿 Pre-loved markets

🌿 Props donated by former couples (always checked for origin)

I choose pieces that have history, character, and integrity — not mass-produced items made at someone else’s expense.

Every wedding or celebration styled by Vintage Florrie is built on kindness: to people, to creatives, and to the planet.

If you’d like your event to reflect those values too, you’re in the right place.

Image:

1. Photographer: @anna.rose.heaton

2. Photographer: Vintage Florrie’s own

3. Photographer: Vintage Florre’s own

4. Photographer: @charlottedormoyweddings

5. Photographer: @kat.shot.this

6. Photographer: @dearestlovephotography