Popular amongst young adults, UK fashion retailer Pretty Little Thing received backlash this week following a protest that went viral on social media. 

Venetia La Manna,  fair fashion campaigner, and Mayisha, @Ohsoethical led the protest outside the Pretty Little Thing fashion show, in London. This is following allegations that ‘PLT’ promotes unsustainable fashion and underpays workers.

Gen Z has been blamed hugely for contributing to throw away fashion. During the pandemic alone, fast fashion sites such as Boohoo, sales increased by 45%. 

Our reporter spoke to the University of Kent, students, and many stated  Pretty little thing provides them with “trendy” and “affordable” clothes.

One student said that Influencer culture has also promoted this over-consumption she said: “I like Molly-Mae so I’m going to shop there.”

Another added: “It’s either I’m not eating or buying from Zara or eating all week and shopping from PLT.”

When asked about the effects PLT has on the environment, students were more concerned with keeping up with what’s in fashion. 

One student said: “It suits my style”.

Pretty Little Thing has been accused of paying workers £3.50 an hour and contributing to 50 million tonnes of waste each year.

Since the protests, Pretty Little Thing has deactivated comments from its Instagram page. 

Kent Connect News reached out to Pretty Little Thing for a statement and there was no response.