TikToker Exposes Unpaid Labor in Fashion Industry: 'I'm Never Thanked, I'm Never Paid'

In a recent TikTok video, Mallory Brooks, an apparel educator using the handle @plzdontbuythat, highlighted the pervasive issue of uncredited and unpaid labor within the fashion industry. Brooks, based in the US, detailed instances where she meticulously corrected inaccuracies and addressed potentially illegal practices for various brands. "They just quietly make the corrections and life goes on. It is exhausting doing this work," Brooks stated in her video. She specifically mentioned working with Shea Leigh Mills and Krista Horton's Staycation brand, providing examples of how her corrections were implemented without any acknowledgement or compensation. Her video has sparked a conversation about the ethical responsibilities of brands towards those who contribute to their success, even indirectly. The emotional resonance of her plea for recognition underscores the often-overlooked contributions of individuals who work behind the scenes in the fashion industry.