Sheree Whitfield built anticipation for her lifestyle brand SHE by Sheree since 2008. On September 4, the season 14 finale of The Real Housewives of Atlanta launches Shereé’s latest attempt at launching her brand. After the episode aired, SHE by Sheree’s website is up and running.
But the site immediately crashes HMTL due to “Overwhelming interest” Sheree declared. Not only that, but fans also noticed two things about the long-awaited line: high price and design seen before.
Not long after, the brand was targeted with significant buzz on social media platforms. People have compared Shereé’s designs to items sold on SHEIN and Amazon. Additionally, some scoffed at her pricing items, such as t-shirts, up to $100 and $200.
In a recent interview with Things to know of YahooShereé has finally addressed the backlash surrounding her debut.
Shereé blames private label for copying trademark licensed designs
The entrepreneur spoke to Gibson Johns for over 20 minutes – mostly focusing on her brand. The conversation about comparisons with fast fashion brands, such as SHEIN, has been around at one point. Instead of ignoring the question, Shereé admitted to licensing the design.
She claims that her team has encouraged her to add licensed parts to the mix with her custom pieces to offer different price points. In the end, she blamed the production company for selling the same designs to multiple companies.
“All I can say is clearly SHEIN… they shop at the same manufacturing facility, not non-manufacturer…” Shereé managed to speak before being interrupted by Gibson. She then continued, “And this is a private label. But shame on the private label for selling – whatever you sell to… the big brand is Fashion Nova or SHEIN, you shouldn’t sell to anyone else.”
Shereé explains licensing designs for SHE by Shereé
Shereé also expressed embarrassment at the backlash, making it clear that design licensing is not uncommon.
“…This is not the first time this has been done. I don’t understand why people consider me to be on a different level, you know, compared to other people,” Shereé said. “Any of these online stores, any of these stories – so many stories you go to, so many designers, it’s called private label.”
The TV star didn’t hold back, insisting that private labels have been around forever, even in cosmetics. She also claims that a lot of designers seek help by licensing designs.
“[Designers are] Sheree said. “And some don’t design any of them, you know?”
Businessman mentions high prices for clothing items
When comparing fast fashion, people also discuss Shereé’s price point, especially for simpler items like graphic tees. The TV star explained that tees can range from $82-$142 depending on whether or not a customer is purchasing a hand-signed garment. Shereé says people online may have missed the dropdown “With Shereé’s personal signature” or “No signature.”
“It was a drop-down list where I personally signed each t-shirt,” she said. “When they say they want Shereé’s autograph, they’re getting mine. They did not receive a printout. They don’t get something printed on the screen, already on the t-shirt. “
According to Shereé, she’s giving her time and energy to signing, “and that’s not free.”
See the full interview below.
