Body Image
Virtually all of the models who represent fashion houses are abnormally thin, in keeping with the perceived aesthetic preferences of the public. This focus on extreme thinness in women has been blamed for eating disorders and poor body image among some women whose bodies don't conform to this idealized image.
Fur
Fashions that use real animal fur support the fur industry, which is infamous for its inhumane treatment of animals. Fur is acquired either by trapping wild animals and skinning them or by raising animals domestically for their fur.
Cultures
In their ongoing search for new, different and exciting looks, fashion designers sometimes borrow elements of foreign cultures. Some indigenous members of these cultures don't appreciate this practice, and accuse designers of cultural appropriation.
Consumption
Bringing out a new line of clothing every year encourages fashion enthusiasts to buy new clothes that they don't really need. While some people see this as harmless or as a boon to the economy, others believe that it encourages mindless consumerism.
Environment
The materials, transportation and production that are involved in the fashion industry all have an impact on the environment. Many synthetic materials are derived from petroleum, while many more natural materials are grown on land that could be used for food production.
Advertising
According to critics, advertising seduces people into buying things that they don't need, rather than merely informing them of a product's availability. Advertising and fashion are closely related, and they both encourage people to consume as much as possible. New fashions are widely advertised as better than whatever came before.
Forgeries
The main appeal of many fashionable accessories is the brand name. A Gucci bag can be sold for many times more than an identical bag made by a competitor. Forgers take advantage of this fact by creating cheap knock-offs and illegally adding the names of famous and expensive fashion houses.
Sweat Shops
Many fashionable clothes are manufactured by poorly paid people in developing countries. This practice, known as sweatshop labor, has come under major scrutiny and has been condemned by a wide range of critics. Particularly concerning is the employment of young children.
Inequality
A large part of the appeal of expensive, fashionable clothing is that it's exclusive. The vast majority of people can't afford to buy it, so it grants a level of status and glamor to those who can.
Blood Diamonds
Upper end fashions sometimes use diamonds. "Blood diamonds" are mined under poor conditions, sometimes by violent groups that use the income from the diamonds to fund their activities. Some fashion houses are taking steps to ensure that none of their diamonds come from these sources.
