In recent weeks, the fashion world has been shaken by Shein's arrival at BHV, which has caused a real stir. Seeing a brand synonymous with ultra-fast fashion set up shop in the heart of a Parisian department store, historically linked to craftsmanship and designers, raises a crucial question: where do we, as consumers, want to go?
Behind this debate lies the fundamental difference between ultra-fast fashion and Made in France. A clash of paces, values, and impact.
Ultra fast fashion : a saturated and costly model for the planet
With constantly renewed collections, thousands of products added every day, and prices driven down, fast fashion has a clear objective: to sell quickly, a lot, and often.
But at what cost?
● Massive overproduction, with clothing and accessories not designed to last.
● Predominantly synthetic materials, polluting to produce and non-recyclable.
● Complete opacity regarding manufacturing conditions, which raises questions about respect for human rights and the environment.
● A model that encourages disposability, at the expense of quality.
● A skyrocketing carbon footprint, with thousands of products traveling around the world multiple times.
The arrival of Shein in an iconic store like BHV perfectly illustrates this paradox: so-called "accessible" fashion has never been so costly, both for humanity and the environment.
Made in France as an act of resistance
Faced with this system, manufacturing and consuming locally appears as a sustainable, responsible, and profoundly human alternative.
Choosing to buy products made in France means:
● Supporting local workshops and maintaining a living industrial heritage.
● Prioritizing quality, with traceable, carefully selected materials.
● Limiting environmental impact, by reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
● Guaranteeing decent working conditions, where workers are protected by French law (working hours, safety, wages),
● Giving meaning to each piece, by favoring thoughtful production rather than a flood of daily new releases. Because behind every product created, there is a human story.
Thus, when you buy a product in France, an entire value chain—from the designer to the worker—benefits from your purchase.
Bandit Manchot : accessible and Smart Made in France
From day one, we made a commitment: to manufacture in France, using upcycled leathers, creating timeless pieces that transcend fleeting trends, prioritizing ethics and sustainability over quantity.
Since our inception, we have worked to make Made in France abordable, without compromising on craftsmanship.
We have redesigned our construction methods to be simple and quick to produce, yet functional, to offer beautiful, practical, and durable pieces — at a fair price.
We are convinced that more responsible fashion is possible—and that it starts here, with concrete and transparent choices. For us, Made in France is not about nostalgia, but about the future..
Article written by par Danaë Faupin
