Dolls Kill started in 2011. It’s a fashion brand whose designs have always been controversial, provocative, and far from regular. Founded by Shoddy Lynn and Bobby Farahi, the brand soon became known to a demographic lured in by its loud aesthetic. Yet its rise to infamy has been fraught with accusations of cultural appropriation, insensitivity, and unethical business practices. This article will take a deeper look at the Dolls Kill controversy.
Origins of Dolls Kill
Dolls Kill started on eBay as an alternative clothing and accessories seller. The founders saw it as a marketplace for festival-goers and people after something a little wackier. In 2014, Inc. magazine named Dolls Kill one of the “Fastest Growing Retailers.” But this success was not without heavy scrutiny.
The dolls kill controversy, or should we say controversies?
Black Lives Matter Backlash
The biggest controversy hit in June 2020 during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations over George Floyd’s death. Shoddy Lynn shared an Instagram photo of police officers outside a Dolls Kill store that many interpreted as a praise for law enforcement. This post angered consumers, especially since Dolls Kill’s shoppers are mostly young people who pride themselves on being part of progressive movements. Celebrities like SZA publicly denounced the brand, and there were calls to boycott it under the hashtag BoycottDollsKill.
Following the backlash, Lynn issued an apology video, which many labeled phony. Her apology, they said, appeared scripted and failed to convey any real regret for her original remarks. After this event, Dolls Kill committed $1 million to spend on purchasing items from Black-owned fashion labels, but that did nothing to temper the anger of consumers who felt betrayed by the brand.
Accusations of Cultural Appropriation
People accused Dolls Kill of cultural appropriation many times. In 2014, the company offered a Native American headdress in its Halloween line, a decision that customers criticized as insensitive and exploitative. The brand has also faced backlash for contributing to racist stereotypes with different clothing lines, like a t-shirt that said “Goth is White,” which many took to mean exclusionary.
This raised questions about the brand’s true intentions to cultivate a sense of inclusivity in its garments and whether or not all cultural symbols are respected the way they should be.
Allegations of Design Theft + Criticism of Fast Fashion
Yet another major controversy for Dolls Kill is the endless claims that the lead designer picked the brains of independent artists. Many smaller designers have accused the brand of opportunistically using their work without credit or compensation. This not only disregards the work of the independent artists, but it is also part of a larger exploitative fast fashion culture.
Dolls Kill has been accused of harassment against its critics, responding to its critics “harshly” in some cases, even going so far as to allegedly harass those who speak out. And this behavior has spoiled the brand image amongst consumers with an ethical attitude toward fashion.
Many organizations voted Dolls Kill a fast fashion brand. It is often criticized for its eco-harmful aspects and labor practices. Critics have noted that Dolls Kill remains a “brand to avoid” due to a lack of transparency surrounding its supply chain and labor conditions, with ratings such as these from organizations like Good On You.
Final Words: Dolls Kill Response
Due to these controversies, Dolls Kill has attempted to address some of this criticism in its public statements and pledges. However, many consumers still question the authenticity of the effort itself. The reaction of social media users implies an increasing need for fashion brands to be held accountable for their social duties.
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All images from dollskill.com
