Vintage Fashion Drama: Problematic Reproduction Brands

Vintage Fashion Drama
Brand Accountability 101: / 3063086030444062
Problematic Brands Document:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
What Katie Did's Owner, Katie Thomas's response to this video:
• What Katie Did: the tr...
I’m very anxious about this video to be perfectly honest. I did a lot of research and tried my best to get my point across well, I hope I did so. In this video I am talking about some of the problematic brands that are popular in the vintage community:
Pin Up Girl Clothing
Bernie Dexter
Stop Staring
Trashy Diva
What Katie Did
This is not meant to shame anyone in the vintage fashion community. It's not even meant to stir up drama, despite the title. It's meant to educate and allow full knowledge to everyone.
Feel free to discuss in the comments, but please remember everyone involved are humans, with feelings.
We Made it Through 2020!

[@mrgtfrench]

Hello all! What Katie Did's owner, Katie Thomas made a video response to this video which can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZDUnZ9tZc6qick&ab_channel=WhatKatieDid There is also a response to this video from a former employee in Brand Accountability 101 which can be found here: facebook.com/groups/3063086030444062 I encourage everyone interested to take a look at both!

[@MissJoyLicious]

Katie’s response was excellent. She provided context that was essential. This whole video and the comments here is the reason I left this vintage/pin-up community years ago. I used to be like you. I felt belonging in a group that seemed to empower others. I didn’t see that I could be strong enough by myself. I felt that I needed to be accepted by the promenant leaders in my region and I did my best to improve to understand and better myself. Eventually I saw how these individuals treated people who they didn’t approve, how they shunned and excluded and bullied. Standing up to this behaviour was treated with same. That shut down very effectively any dissent and made people self censor more. This is disruptive behaviour where people are attacking each other on who is more righteous than other. And the cycle still continues. Making accusations requires receipts in the video. Not by linking to other sites. I saw some of the issues years ago that you mentioned but if you truly try to make betterment in a community, you do not attack the people especially without knowing the whole context. You are not making this culture better like this. If you see something that’s not right by your standards, you correct that with a better argument. Otherwise this is just drama and will produce more drama.

[@shreenasoomarah2452]

@@MissJoyLicious Yes I hope a lot of people who took this video at face value watch Katie's video, because they should be looking for the receipts for all these claims.

[@MidgeMunster]

The most horrific thing I’ve ever seen was from Stop Staring clothing. A woman posted a photo of her wearing one of their dresses at a pride parade, and the owner POPPED OFF and told her there was still time to repent so she didn’t burn in hell etc. etc. Absolutely awful.

[@clairwithnoe]

I saw that too and was surprised that wasn’t mentioned in this video as it was so recent and totally unforgivable.

[@jodybrody3443]

Thank you for making this video. It is so so important to keep these brands accountable and make the community aware of these problems, especially as the community grows and new people don’t know the history behind these brands. You hit the nail on the head with their “Cultish” followers. There are so many great brands to support that do not have this history. I’d love to see a video highlighting BIPOC Vintage brands next ❤️

[@mrgtfrench]

I'm planning on doing a buy this, not that video next week and I'm absolutely planning on highlighting BIPOC owned companies

[@popartjunkie]

New subscriber, vintage-enthusiast and POC here: Thank you so much for posting this video. I had no idea about a few of these brands and all the garbage they've spewed over the years. It's helpful to know what brands clearly don't value me as a customer or my money.

[@LorettaSchwinn]

I appreciate your willingness to openly address these issues and hold brands accountable. Of course, buyers have free rein to shop as they like, but I will certainly consider your points when deciding who gets my money. Also... I grew up around the vintage "Rockabilly" community in Orange County, CA, and it's always been chock full of racists, sexists, toxic masculinity, and homophobes. So frankly, none of this is surprising, especially in regard to the culture surrounding these brands. I'm sure you're going to get backlash... but KEEP GOING for those of us who want this info. Thanks.

[@mrgtfrench]

That’s how I feel. People can take from this video what they will, if they want to keep supporting these companies that is totally up to them. But, they deserve to know!

[@Titanium_Ghuleh]

I appreciate this video and I completely understand your anxiety to make it but I’m glad you did it. I think it’s important to have these conversations because that’s how you get companies to change, or at the very least, get consumers to.

[@mrgtfrench]

Thank you so much for your support ❤️

[@tayladrury2994]

I had no idea about the issues with What Katie Did. I’m appalled and disappointed. As much as it hurts me to say it, I won’t be buying from them again. (Side note, if you’re looking for quality lingerie try The Nylon Swish. They’re an amazing small Australian brand) Thank you for this video! We in the vintage community have the right to know here our money is going and who we are supporting.

[@bbygirl994]

I studied Clothing and Textiles at my local community college. Stop Staring's located about 30 minutes from me so we actually got to go on a field trip there and to meet Alicia Estrada. We were there to learn about production, design, etc. This woman talked about Jesus THE ENTIRE TIME. It was like I'd been taken to church. It was so weird and uncomfortable!

[@mrgtfrench]

That is one of the most cringy things I have ever heard.

[@Katielicata]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm sure it was scary to make, but this information is important and helpful.

[@NerdyGirlFilms]

I understand your nervousness around this. Laura from PUG is scary. Mention her in any vintage repro clothing aficionado group and you'll get endless first-hand stories of her nightmare behavior. I worked for a teeny, two-person retail competitor many years ago and she became weirdly obsessed with destroying us. It was just nuts how we lived rent-free in her head for years.

[@Laurabyrnesintheworld]

Boo!

[@emma_bean514]

Thank you for always speaking your truth, and as someone who absolutely admires your style, as well and Janies, I’ve found myself more interested in the vintage fashion culture. but this was very helpful. I had no idea that these groups can be so viscous. As well, as thank you for holding What Katie Did accountable for what she said. I watched a few minutes of her addressing it. Keep being awesome 😎

[@mrgtfrench]

Thank you so much for joining in on the conversation!!! You have no idea how much it means!

[@lisita1020]

Thank you for this video. People should be aware of whom they are supporting. 🤗

[@mrgtfrench]

Absolutely! Knowledge is power!

[@nessnewman4546]

I’d like to bring up The Seamstress of Bloomsbury. They have a blurb on their opening page which strongly suggests their opening story is fact. It is in fact, fiction. I know 200% because I was in a personal relationship with the owner when he launched this brand. He also strongly suggests his garments are made in the uk. They’re all made in India, where he’s been producing clothes since the 70s. If you check out his site you’ll see the beaded cardigans.. a design he stole from me. I was not asked for permission to use it or offered anything in return for it. I designed and had these produced under my own label The Pearly Queen, back in 2013-15. He copies other garments. He doesn’t design. And he’s not really concerned about the quality. He says most people won’tnotice certain flaws...

[@AppalachianAllegory]

I had also seen people saying that they didn't plan to expand their size range. I saw that comment about SoB a few different times. I'm sorry they stole your designs.

[@AppalachianAllegory]

I was also under the impression that SoB was made in the UK.

[@becki22432]

I’ve being eyeing up some bits from there Thankyou for the heads up

[@lovelenore9807]

How disappointing 🙁 Is there anything you can do about the design theft? Funnily enough, I own one of your original cardigans. When I saw the SoB new cardies I just assumed it was a re-run of their own, original design. Just pulled mine out & realise the tag does say The Pearly Queen (still going strong & in perfect condition ~6/7 years later!). I had cooled a bit on the SoB anyway because I dislike their materials (so thin), but this really puts the nail in the coffin for me...

[@mrgtfrench]

Thank you for this information!

[@katmd03]

Thank you for making this video! I was aware of the PUG drama so I don't support them although I do have a dress of theirs that I got off Poshmark. Cute clothes, just wish they weren't so damn expensive and not a fan of all the drama. Didn't know about Bernie Dexter, I had followed her on IG and she seemed really nice. I really have a big problem with all the Confederate flag stuff in certain segments of the vintage/rockabilly/psychobilly world(s). One incident I had with a model who does make her own clothing - VintageVandal (VintageVandalizm is her clothing brand) - this was a few years ago and I asked her a question on her Instagram. IIRC I commented that a headdress she had reminded me of something I had seen on another model - I was not being accusatory or mean, but she was very rude in her response to me and it left a bad taste in my mouth. She also kind off gives off this snooty vibe which really turned me off to her and her content. I find it interesting that so many of these vintage/rockabilly brands and influencers/models love preaching kindness when in reality some of them are the biggest bullies around. Keep doing what you're doing

[@pinkemoranger]

The vintage vandal situ here seems more of a personal conflict or opinion rather than something in this area for people to know about generally. My experience with her has been lovely but she may have a snooty vibe because of her make up but I'm not sure. I've had a personal attack from a well known brand owner in the US (not going to bring it up or name because I haven't got the energy to put up with it again) but again that's one on one rather than linked to their clothes or the shop.

[@EmpeROARFabulous]

Thanks for the new info and the refreshers. It’s so hard to keep everything straight! I remember a few of these, others are... well, less than surprising.

[@mrgtfrench]

It’s so hard to keep everyone straight! I was fact checking myself even through editing because I thought I had mixed stuff up 😅

[@MissGretch14]

I'm so sorry that the comments are proving your point about the toxic nature of some of these communities. I've witnessed a lot of the things you mention first hand, and yet for years I always gave these brands and communities second, third, and fourth chances in the hope that they would learn from their mistakes and grow. Some of the brands and their followers are so defensive though that that just doesn't happen. An issue gets raised and instantly it's like you're seen as some assassin, who needs to be attacked from all sides. This prevents the brands (and their owners) from having to do any thinking about their actions, as their egos are being bolstered at all times by people who will gladly shout down any genuine concerns out of loyalty.

[@Ausomedays]

The toxic nature is of this video is the basic white Karen who made it who is attacking others and causing drama with no proof. Most of these issues are either long since resolved, blown out of proportion or simply made up from this Karen’s own delusions. To be fair her videos have only 30 or 40 views and she’s finally getting attention via her own toxicity so hopefully she’s happy.

[@MissGretch14]

@@superamanda just because you (luckily) haven't personally witnessed it, doesn't make it false. I get that it can be upsetting when someone raises these types of issues, especially when it's a brand or person you really admire, but these things happen. I'm sure some of the issues have been resolved, which is good. What isn't good is that some brands/brand owners/communities linked to the brands show a pattern of this type of thing. As Margaret said in this video, it's up to each person to decide where they spend their money, and nobody is judging you for that. Crack on, and enjoy the things! I hope they make you feel wonderful.

[@cristinagsd]

Thank you so much! I have seen some of these things happening myself.

[@mrgtfrench]

I'm surprised just how many people have told me they've seen these same things. Its so common in the community!!!

[@cristinagsd]

@@mrgtfrench It is very sad, so I really applaud you for putting it all together.

[@bblovesyou1]

So I’ve not looked at the Stop Staring website in a while so I thought I’d go have a nosey and it literally has a bible verse as the first thing you see on the page. Obviously everyone has a right to where what they want but when I started wearing vintage or rockabilly clothing I felt that I was part of a really alt scene and it frustrates me how over the last 20 years it’s been hijacked by conservative values.

[@mrgtfrench]

The overlap of tradwives and vintage style is awful. I find that I am also more forgiving of religious people because I have such strong prejudices against that I'm worried I'll pre-judge too much. And then they go on tirades against gay folks and I'm full validated.

[@bblovesyou1]

@@mrgtfrench I know exactly what you mean. I believe in your right to practice your faith, but then people are just so awful by with it. I’m biased towards Christianity due to my own negative experience as as young person, I’ve never been able to rectify that some of the worst people to have existed in history were “following” the words of the biggest hippy in history.

[@Helen-cs2zx]

Im not religious however assuming it were a harmless bible quote itd be okay and totally fine. that being said the owner of that brand is apparently extremely homophobic which is totally inexcusable so yeah :(

[@sarabeesknees]

Thank you! Over the last few years, I’ve been dressing more generally vintage-ish and not quite pin-up style so I don’t shop most of these brands. However, I’m willing to invest in a nice reproduction bullet bra so this was very helpful! I’ll look up alternatives to WKD.

[@mrgtfrench]

I really like Lucy B designs on etsy though their product range isn't vast. I'm totally vintage-ish as well, and a lot of that change happened because of my disillusion with the repro community.

[@sarabeesknees]

@@mrgtfrench I’ll look into them! Thank you ☺️

[@geministargazer9830]

I recommend Collectif. I prefer a 1940s look so less pinup looking. I find Collectif has a lot of nice shirts, dresses, etc that work well for everyday

[@sarabeesknees]

@@geministargazer9830 Thank you! I’ll check their sale section again. Even collectif and feel a bit costumey to me sometimes! But I do like their caterina dresses

[@TheArsenalgooner]

@@mrgtfrench It’s well known LucyB uses poorly paid undocumented labor. You need to research.

[@therealHeidiVanHorne]

Yup. As someone who has, at some point in time, worked with 4/5 of these brands, I can confirm that you’ve barely scratched the surface on a few. Particularly on the issue of fat shaming and bullying. One of them created false social media pages with my images, calling me a pig, when I was no longer working with them and had become a size 10. The things they’ve said behind closed doors are much worse. They don’t sell to larger sizes because they care or are inclusive, they do it to make more money. 1 of the ones I worked with was over 15 years ago, and I haven’t kept up with them at all and was unaware, so thanks for the heads up! Most of us choose not to say much publicly because it’s not worth the potential lawsuits or bullying we’ve seen them unleash on others. ❤️

[@mrgtfrench]

Oh my god! What happened to you is awful. I have more than a few stories about some of these brands that I can't share because I have no real proof and it's info I know through trusted friends so I don't want to open them up to shit. But yea, there's so much under the surface!

[@therealHeidiVanHorne]

Oh yeah, I’m sure. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what I’ve personally dealt with in modeling and working with them, not even bringing up what I’ve witnessed or known of others’ issues w them. Sad to hear the others are problematic, as well. So glad to see things start to change in that world, even though I’m not active in it anymore. ❤️

[@MsPinkhare]

Learning about Trashy Diva hurts . I grew up in Baton rouge and remember going there when it was just a vintage shop { no house brand at the time }So disappointing edit to add It does make me happy that I spent most of lockdown upping my sewing skills .

[@mrgtfrench]

It really is quite disappointing! I'm the same. I sew or thrift 90% of my clothes now!

[@brettyoung9560]

I own a ton of trashy diva, but won’t continue to buy it. I can’t afford to buy all new, but I won’t be recommending it to anyone, either.

[@WithLoveKristina]

Thank you for having the courage to make this! It's always scary to produce constructive criticism of any brands/people and I'm proud of you for doing it anyway. Also, the views on this video! GO YOU!!!

[@ladylouloubell707]

I had never heard anything about Trashy Diva! But PUG and Stop Staring’s ridiculousness is well know here in New Zealand. FYI for the best stockings look at The Nylon Swish in Australia - you’ll never look back!!!

[@mrgtfrench]

I just heard of them!!! I will absolutely check them out. I inherently trust Aussies, despite having lived there and dated one 😅

[@geministargazer9830]

Ooh thanks for the tip, I hadn’t heard of them

[@ladylouloubell707]

@@geministargazer9830 I promise you won’t regret it!!

[@chellewilson7730]

Absolutely. The Nylon Swish stockings are so beautiful. I wear them regularly and have lasted so long.

[@emmaproudley5806]

I love nylon swish!!

[@ghoulishmermaid]

I wished I would have seen this video sooner. I have ordered from PUG before (back in 2017) without issue before but I recently placed an order and their customer service is pretty much non-existent. They have not sent me any info at all and I just feel so scammed.

[@becki22432]

I know vivien of Holloway caused a stir with the BLM movement in her group, I believe she said all lives mattered a lot of people were muted and the thread deleted I can’t remember what exactly happened

[@mrgtfrench]

I think I remember that? I think it's noted in the spreadsheet in the notes, but I don't fully remember.

[@becki22432]

@@mrgtfrench same! I know it got swiftly deleted in the fb group, what’s yours as I can find it and would love to join?

[@marlenlarsson9192]

Yes I think so too and a few years back se had some horrific treads on competitors and design stealing and such... With blocking people and deleting anything not to her liking in the fb group.

[@norfolkreads]

Oh no! I didn't know that about What Katie Did :( thank you for the information though, it's good to know more about the ethics of brands we spend money on ❤️

[@mrgtfrench]

It's disapointing, isn't it?

[@gigigratz8855]

Keep speaking the truth, even if your voice shakes. That mean's you're on the right path... Hang in there.

[@mrgtfrench]

This means so, so much. Especially since my voice shook more than usual for this video!

[@gigigratz8855]

@@mrgtfrench You did a GREAT job. Wobbles just show you'rea genuine human being. Can't wait to see more. :)

[@LadyLCreme]

Stop Staring is bonkers! I thought they had been hacked when the owner started posting really weird religious rants and white Jesus pictures. Not just into converting, but she’s also harshly judging all other thoughts and opinions on IG. Gross.

[@emilyanderson1473]

The owner of that one banned me for calling her out

[@mrgtfrench]

It's honestly really sad.

[@muireanndarcy4595]

I'm heartbroken about What Katie Did. Its my go to brand for foundation garmets! But knowledge is power so thank you for the info. Any recommendations on where I can get great vintage underwear now? Preferably an international brand as I'm in Europe x

[@mrgtfrench]

I’m honestly still on the hunt for a good vintage-style lingerie brand that is international and accessible. I’m doing a buy this not that video in two weeks so hopefully I’ll have had good suggestions by then! I’m definitely doing my research now.

[@RibbonVintageGirl]

What's with these vintage business owners like to bully people over critiques??? 👀👀👀

[@bonnieoliver1941]

Yikes I knew about most of these- but not about WKD- now I'm glad I can't afford their crap lol

[@mrgtfrench]

That one seems to be a surprise for a lot of people, it was for me!

[@geministargazer9830]

I only own one thing from them but it was a shame to hear because there aren’t many vintage lingerie businesses. At least they’re the only ones I know, I’m aware that there are some others but I don’t know them off the top of my head

[@NoniShaneyCavaliere]

Thank you for this informative video. Our money is power and some brands don't deserve it.

[@mrgtfrench]

Exactly!

[@gigigratz8855]

Lady Vee of London is wonderful... and size positive. Very cute dresses, skirts, tops up to 5x. Supercute, great quality, great folks (personal experience). Check them out if you get a chance.

[@mrgtfrench]

Thank you! I want to make a follow up video of buy this, not that so any suggestions are welcome!

[@MissMozzyDee]

I still believe the vintage reproduction company community has a lot of work to to with size inclusiveness. A lot of well known brands (like The Pretty Dress Company) are still very lacking in size-inclusivity. It's slowly getting better but work still needs to be done.

[@mrgtfrench]

I totally agree! I think the repro community is better than some, but still has A LOT of work to do.

[@angelinabeflyy]

How did I know the first one was going to be Pinup Girl Clothing before you even said it 😂. Thank you for this video❤️.

[@mrgtfrench]

Because they're absolutely notorious!!! 😂

[@Laurabyrnesintheworld]

@@mrgtfrench You’ll be hearing from PUG’s counsel re: this.

[@raquelscheid4025]

@@Laurabyrnesintheworld everyone knows. Photographers in the community know. I needed a dress desperately a few months ago so I caved but the order wasn't even correct. Took that as the ultimate sign to avoid PUG clothing.

[@KarmaNeverTouches]

@@Laurabyrnesintheworld You can't sue an opinion, Laura...

[@Littlebitcrazyok]

@@Laurabyrnesintheworld Oh fuck off Laura and grow the fuck up.

[@evalaraine9985]

Thank you for being so brave to speak up. I got runs in every pair of my WKD first wear. They're awful. I also met Vivien from VOH in person working in her store and she wouldn't stop ranting about her friends gay trans friend. She was extremely transphobic and homophobic. I have never said a thing because it's nerve wracking to speak up. Also her sister in Australia i worked for is so lovely and kind and supported me as a model and at my wedding.

[@Littlebitcrazyok]

I love how Laura cries about people accusing her of bullying people because of this video, deflects the blame onto last weeks situation with Micheline, and then proceeds to harass and bully you here and allows her friends and followers to do the same. I thought you were exempt from the bully list, Laura?

[@Ausomedays]

Nobody deflected anything. Racism, performance allyship, centering and completely refusing to apologize to Black folks is all on the Micheline.

[@Littlebitcrazyok]

@@Ausomedays yeah, you guys keep deflecting. Just like how neither of you had anything to say to my comment calling Laura out for employing Micheline while being aware of her racist behavior because it sure as fuck wasn’t a huge problem for Laura back then, was it? Performance allyship is only calling out people for being racist when said racist person is no longer on your payroll and no longer of financial service to you. 💋

[@Ausomedays]

@@Littlebitcrazyok Laura is not responsible for The Pitt's actions despite how much you want her to be.

[@Littlebitcrazyok]

@@Ausomedays But the point is...Laura employed her with knowledge of the racism soooo? She is responsible for who she hires and lets represent her company and was complicit with MPs behavior for years. Thanks for trying though!

[@mrgtfrench]

I had expected it.

[@Gwen34900]

Thanks for that review. Now I know which brands don't adhere to the only acceptable way of thinking so I can keep supporting them.

[@mrgtfrench]

My only goal was to keep people informed, what they do with that information is totally up to them!

[@cwreads]

You should do a video of the ones you like and aren't problematic :-)

[@mrgtfrench]

I just put one out yesterday! It’s called buy this, not that.

[@pinkemoranger]

Where did WKD say all lives matter? I can't find it

[@mrgtfrench]

What Katie Did's owner, Katie Thomas made a video response to this video which can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZDUnZ9tZc6qick&ab_channel=WhatKatieDid There is also a response to this video from a former employee in Brand Accountability 101 which can be found here: facebook.com/groups/3063086030444062 I encourage everyone interested to take a look at both!

[@pinkemoranger]

@@PhonkJesus is there a public version of the employee video? I'm not in that group

[@cammieschmidt587]

I can appreciate this whole video and I really thank you for it

[@mrgtfrench]

Thank you so much ❤

[@LibertyBelleNews]

If you're mad that Christians want to spread their religion just like Muslims do you are not tolerant of peoples religions. Tolerance does not mean agreement. You want people to come around to your way of thinking and agree these brands are bad. When others want people to come around to their way of thinking suddenly that's a problem for you.

[@agnesfarias3667]

Thank you for posting this video. I’m familiar with the PUG and TD brands, and disheartened to hear about the negativity the owners allow. I feel better informed of these companies mindsets. I think I may use their ads for inspiration and just make my own vintage clothing tailored to fit me.

[@mrgtfrench]

I'm always here for making your own clothes. At one point most of my clothing was me-made!

[@jemcanalesable]

It’s sad that you have all this hate against what Katie did just because you had a run on your stocking i’ve owned many of her stockings and never had a run and still have The very first pair of stockings I purchased from her from 2016 The 100% nylon fully Fashiond stockings And her glamour stockings And never had any problems with them

[@abbeyjane13]

Horrified by Stop Staring's religious rants. Keep telling the truth! Xxx

[@mrgtfrench]

It's so sad.

[@Ausomedays]

In and Out Burger and countless other places are no different than Stop Staring as far as the God Squad antics go.

[@mrgtfrench]

True

[@KarmaNeverTouches]

I was a PUG lover for years. I made trips to the brick and mortar monthly. I deeply loved it. But then I got skirts in the same collection with different waistlines on the same "sized" skirt. Stains on fabric upon buying. Glue stains. Clothing arriving damaged with CS basically replying with "too bad". The FB lounge has shadow banned friends and family with 0 warning and for bringing up legit concerns. All of this led me to pledge never buying from them again and never ever recommend them. It's sad to see a brand quality become so terrible.

[@mrgtfrench]

I was just banned after 3+ years of membership. I'm taking it as a badge of honor.

[@Laurabyrnesintheworld]

@@mrgtfrench Being s liar should never be a badge of honor, but I guess in a toxic person’s mind, this makes sense to you

[@KarmaNeverTouches]

@@Laurabyrnesintheworld Laura... you're so toxic ya make Flint Michigan's water look pure.

[@KarmaNeverTouches]

@@superamanda Yes, yes of course... it couldn't possibly have anything to do with PUG's decline in quality and Laura raving against anyone who dares mention the growing accounts of her bullying. No, no. Even though Mich... didn't get mentioned once in the video, nor my comment - it's all about her. You found us out. You really are super, Amanda.

[@MM-ji8ki]

@@mrgtfrench That's not something to be proud of 🙄

[@jenellemann9351]

Thank you for the video @Margaret French. I think it’s good to be aware of the brands we purchase from- whether it be their labor practices, what they donate to with their proceeds, their views of gender/race/sexual orientation. I think how they respond to criticism also shows a lot about a company. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to learning about the brands that you purchase from!

[@TheArsenalgooner]

Yo nothing about labor practices here. In fact she’s praising Collectif in her comments which uses cheap Chinese labor. Why do you think huge wool coats get reduced to 30.00 ?

[@jenellemann9351]

I meant in general that it’s something that I look for in the brands that I buy from. Not that it’s something this video addresses ❤️

[@mrgtfrench]

I have not praised Collectif and haven' t purchased from them in years. I truly don't know where you're seeing that?

[@KMichaelYo]

I'm glad you made this!

[@mrgtfrench]

Thank you so much!!!

[@ashleydelzeit2082]

I’m nervous for you! You’re not wrong, but I’m sure you already know one of the problematic ones has shared your video to their followers. The one who claims to be bullied by everyone, but actually is the scariest bully of them all 😬

[@mrgtfrench]

Oh yea, I'm well aware. She doesn't scare me!

[@Laurabyrnesintheworld]

She shred this to all her followers, so this makes her a bully. I’m defending myself as I have for over 5 years against these lies. Note how there is no evidence.

[@ashleydelzeit2082]

@@Laurabyrnesintheworld you literally just accused someone else of sending their minions in the exact same way. (Btw inserting yourself into that situation that had nothing to do with you was a bad look. They worked it out between themselves by the end of the day)

[@ashleydelzeit2082]

@@superamanda are you for real?? Here’s how it went: Micheline and Gertie have a disagreement and they work it out. Laura: She wasn’t bullied, I was bullied!! Also Laura: “THIS BITCH...!!!” C’mon. There’s gotta be a better way.

[@ashhhlgh]

@@Laurabyrnesintheworld by coming here to the comment section and threatening to sue, by sharing this video with however many followers you have (and having them to come here to defend you whether you asked them to or not), and by having your companies Facebook group outright ban any and all criticism of Pin Up Girl clothing isn't you defending yourself, it isn't you standing up to bullies. It is you suppressing opinion. It is you abusing your platform and influence you have to push down any dissenting opinion of you and your brand. That's not okay. And even if the contents of this video was untrue, your behaviour throughout the comments just on this video adds weight to the opinions of you I have seen from individuals.

[@devathepinup]

I knew about all of them except for What Katie Did, a brand I've so far just admired from afar. Bummer I'll probably never get to try their products now... I used to be someone defending PUG for whatever complaints people had against them, but as I learned more it all left a very bad impression. I haven't bought anything from them for years now and I only have three or four of the many pieces I used to own. I always feel dumb as hell when I think about jumping on the "PUG is god" "Laura the Overlord" bandwagon. It all kind of reminds me of Trump followers now... (with less actual violence but probably the same amount of name calling)

[@mrgtfrench]

It's a cult of personality for sure. And I mean that 100%. The fervor that is whipped up in the community makes it easy to get swept up.

[@devathepinup]

@@mrgtfrench Very true. It was also basically my introduction into vintage style (sort of... that wasn't really a linear process) and the quality was really good when I first started buying, so I was super into the brand before I found the "community." A few years after that I realized how toxic and judgmental the community can be.

[@mktruett]

Kinda wish this was presented without the side comments about the products, like about the WKD one. Muddies the message of the video.

[@JH-we7xf]

Thank you for speaking out!

[@mrgtfrench]

Thank you for listening!

[@Sarah-gk4zd]

I'm not really immersed in the vintage community in any way so i would have appreciated if some of the statements you make were evidenced. But hay-oh! I liked the video, and you are definitely right, knowledge is power.

[@mrgtfrench]

I've got links to everything in the description!

[@marlenlarsson9192]

Thank you for puttning this out there 👌💋 keep speaking the truth

[@mrgtfrench]

Oh yay! Thank you!

[@pauledwardparker2944]

I watched your video

[@mrgtfrench]

Thank you!

[@minniemouska5120]

Say it louder for the people in the back 💖

[@mrgtfrench]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@AppalachianAllegory]

Most of this comments section is what's wrong with the vintage repro community.

[@Ausomedays]

And what’s so atrocious about liars like this vlogger. Unless she attacks other women with baseless accusations she’s back to 20 and 30 views again.

[@AppalachianAllegory]

@@Ausomedays I knew about several of the issues she was talking about in this video, and they're real. Don't come at me with your bullshit.

[@MissLaceyNoel]

I see beetlejuice showed up in comments. She harassed my mother when I was 14 and messaged me saying she would hire me to model when I turned 18. Thankfully we've not heard from her since.

[@mrgtfrench]

Oh how creepy

[@Ausomedays]

I’m also curious as you’ve had a You a tube channel for over a decades but chose only recently to talk about Black lives and anti racism. Why? Looks like you started caring about our lives on the line because it suddenly became fashionable. You’re invested enough to point out racially problematic actions you “heard about from others* but couldn’t make one anti racist video before it was cool? By the way on Blackout Tuesday, Vixen and Trashy Diva were two of the *last* pinup companies to post anything in support with Trashy Diva actually doing an All Lives Matter tirade that she had to retract.

[@DeviliciousNails]

Eh, to be fair, she only started making videos about six months ago. Having a KZbin channel for over a decade means nothing, most people just use them to watch stuff without uploading their own videos. If she didn't want to start a channel with her videos before, I don't see why it's such a problem that she didn't make anti-racism videos either. Now, however, she is uploading videos and might as well use her platform to speak about societal issues.

[@Ausomedays]

@@DeviliciousNails So shes trend hopping onto Black Lives Matter like everyone else she knows? Got it 👏🏿

[@Laurabyrnesintheworld]

@@Ausomedays Note how she is dismissing the concerns of POC commenters in this thread and ignoring their experiences - at the same time trying to make a “woke” video about “problematic” brands.

[@mrgtfrench]

I think I started posting about black lives and anti-racism within a few months of releasing videos. And have posted about that and others on my other social media channels for almost as long as I've had any size platform.

[@hopejohnstun1437]

While I appreciate the place you are coming from, you information in regards to PUG is outdated at best. As you say in you video, there needs to be room for personal improvement after mistakes. The incidents of cultural appropriation you reference from PUG have been publicly apologized for, and the company has come a long way since those days. They have worked hard to educate themselves about cultural appropriation, and have made a commitment to continue learning.

[@mrgtfrench]

I'm glad you haven't had any negative interactions since those days, others have not been as lucky!

[@hopejohnstun1437]

I know you noted a toxic work environment, and I’d just like to give my two cents that I have worked there for over a year and had zero negative experiences.

[@xxjanie182]

Laura's comments on this video show that it's understated, not outdated

[@AgentSiegel]

The complaints about PUG are years old. Laura Byrnes did apologize for the poorly named East Asian designs and the cultural appropriation. It’s easy to find her apology if you google for it. So saying the apologizing doesn’t happen with PUG is unfair. Yes her fans can be super protective, but Laura has been bullied for thus mistake that is well over 5 years old.

[@Thecherrydollface]

Saying that Laura is being bullied is laughable. She’s the biggest bully in the industry and she clawed her way to the top by intimidating and using everyone around her. The design mistake was just one of many things she has done that warrant her behavior to be called out. This is not bullying. This is accountability. Until you’ve personally been on the receiving end of her attacks, I would stand back from copping for her so hard.

[@mrgtfrench]

The orientalism was one of the things I chose to point out because there is solid proof of it. There are many more things that I could have listed but that gets into unnecessary she said, she said that can't be backed up by more than personal stories I have heard from friends and witnessed first hand.

[@geministargazer9830]

Did she actually apologise or was it one of those “sorry that *you* got offended” non-apologies?

[@Laurabyrnesintheworld]

@@Thecherrydollface You are the biggest liar in the scene, next to your buddy Tess. Remember when you claimed I assaulted Tess at a trade show but you were unaware there was photo evidence proving you were lying? I do.

[@Ausomedays]

@@mrgtfrench Micheline has posed a Geisha. Why are you scared of taking her on?

[@Laurabyrnesintheworld]

I’ve posted screen shots of the post in question to my story on IG @laurabyrnes - Maggie asked a question and it was answered by PUG and other members with no bullying. If you join the Lounge you will be able to see the entire thread for yourself. Everyone was respectful. If this is your example of toxicity? Heal thyself.

[@mrgtfrench]

Happy for any and all transparency. To add to the transparency, I was just kicked out of the lounge after 3+ years of membership. Just so folks have all the facts.

[@Laurabyrnesintheworld]

@@mrgtfrench I just removed you. You were a member since 2016 and have access to the apology we posted immediately after the cultural appropriation issue, so you know that we did everything possible to make it right. You don’t belong in our lounge.

[@Razzmicberry]

@@mrgtfrench I wasn’t going to comment but honestly , you just spoke in this video about how toxic it is and how you’re still in it just to watch.. I’m assuming to look for more drama .... that’s not what the lounge is for so I think it’s reasonable to remove you and it shouldn’t be a big loss if you don’t think it’s a healthy , safe space🧐 seems weird to spin this like removing you was a bad thing they did.

[@Razzmicberry]

And the apology did happen about the Chinese New Year collection so saying that doesn’t happen is misleading in this video.

[@Razzmicberry]

And reading the comment thread , you got a ton of tips about how to deal with the static and maybe two comments in the nature you just described. You don’t have to like this brand, I’m not trying to get on a soap box to defend them either , everyone has flaws but be truthful in your critiques is all.

[@BabeRuthless007]

I'm 5 minutes in and it's still just disclaimers. I think this is well intended... But this is just too rambling to endure.

[@mrgtfrench]

Judging from the backlash I got, I needed more disclaimers!