Latest news with #OddMuse
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘It is so hard': Grim reason CEO is getting trolled
A successful CEO has shared the horrendous response she got from men after she posted a video of herself crying. Aimee Smale, 27, is the founder of the UK fashion brand Odd Muse. The incredibly successful brand, established in 2020, has gone from strength to strength. The 27-year-old recently found herself at the bottom of an internet pile-on because of her brand when a debate erupted on whether Odd Muse could be considered fast or slow fashion. The conversation ended with the CEO being viciously trolled online, and in response, she posted a video of herself crying. Ms Smale has over 200,000 followers on TikTok alone, and she shared that she was feeling 'heartbroken today' and was taking the backlash to heart. 'I can't lie the abuse I'm receiving is overwhelming. I shouldn't look but it is hard when the accusations are so wild and untrue,' she said. The clip went viral, and she deleted it, but it was too late because, bizarrely, some online discourse erupted, primarily from men claiming her display of emotion meant she shouldn't be running a company. 'Grow up and be professional,' one advised. 'No one looks good crying,' another said. 'Toughen up princess. Life is hard, and you've just shown this woman that you can't take the heat,' someone else said. 'I'm not sure you're right for the cutthroat business world if you're immediate response to criticism is to start crying for attention on the internet,' one said. 'This is why the most successful business moguls are men. They don't cry, and definitely don't make a video crying and playing victim,' another said. Someone else said she was a 'stupid woman', and another claimed that being a businesswoman means you can't film yourself crying. Ms Smale then took to social media again and blasted the men commenting such sexist things and argued that any man saying her crying is an example of why 'women shouldn't run companies' likely has no idea what it is like to do AU$63 million in sales. That video was met with an outpouring of support from women who were quick to point out showing emotion doesn't mean you can't do your job. 'They hate to see a girl boss win because they know they never could,' one wrote. 'We will cry when we want and we will succeed when we want,' someone else cheered. 'You're building empires while they're building paragraphs in the comments section. Nothing rattles fragile egos like a woman doing better than they ever will,' another argued. Someone else theorised, 'Men can't stand to see a woman more successful than they'll ever be.' 'We're literally human. It's so crazy. We're meant to cry for a reason. Why are you holding it in?' one asked. 'I don't know why people think bosses don't cry? CEO's cry. People cry,' someone reasoned.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Odd Muse fashion brand boss sobs hysterically over 'offensive' videos about her clothing
The founder of fashion brand Odd Muse has broken down in tears after claiming she has received a wave of online abuse. Aimee Smale, 27, who owns the Brentwood, Essex-based aspirational luxury label, shared a clip of herself crying to her TikTok account, alongside a lengthy caption that stated she was 'heartbroken' over the 'bullying' she has received online over the last week. While she didn't directly call anyone out by name, it is widely believed that the emotional video came in response to American influencer @plzdontbuythat, who posted a clip accusing Odd Muse of mistitling itself as a 'slow fashion' brand a few days ago. Slow fashion is the opposite of fast fashion in that its production focuses on quality garments that will stand the test of time, ensuring it uses high grade materials to achieve this aim. It is also considered 'ethically' made. The influencer and self dubbed 'apparel educator' - who recently called out fashion label House of CB for allegedly being 'sinophobic', a fear or dislike of China - said Odd Muse was 'fast fashion by every sense of the definition' and 'people that own apparel brands say whatever the f*** they want'. But business owner Aimee, who has previously taken Pretty Little Thing to task over allegedly 'stealing' one of her designs, hit back at the American influencer by calling the 'offensive' accusations about her brand 'wild and untrue'. In a video shared to TikTok, Aimee appeared make up-free and wearing a grey jumper. She was visibly in tears while mouthing words that were inaudible to viewers. She wrote: 'A bit heartbroken today I can't lie, the abuse I'm receiving is overwhelming. I shouldn't look but it's hard when the accusations are so wild and untrue. 'I work so hard and have been so integral with my journey… I can't tell you the amount of things I have said "no" to and challenged in my journey because they do not align with my values. 'All I've ever wanted to do is help others and challenge the norms behind the industry I am in'. She continued to defend herself by saying people believed 'lies over non-scandalous information'. She added that the backlash was perhaps a symptom of success, and that as she had acquired a bigger brand over the years, she had become a 'target'. 'The last time I'm addressing the bullying that has gone on these last few days and just want anyone who is experiencing this right now to reach out because I just want to be there for others right now,' she continued. Odd Muse is seen as a mid-luxury brand that prides itself on being 'timeless' and 'non-seasonal', and markets itself as producing 'investment fashion' pieces for women around the globe. They mostly sell form-fitting dresses, structured two pieces, skirts and trousers, that all retail from around £50 to £180. Last week, @plzdontbuythat shared a video titled 'My thoughts on Odd Muse calling itself "slow fashion"'. 'I was introduced to the brand Odd Muse this week and she loves to describe the company as slow fashion and sustainable... within about 42 seconds of entering the website it's really clear they are fast fashion by every sense of the definition,' she said. The single mother went on to accuse the Odd Muse founder of misrepresenting her brand as slow fashion because the price point 'is really high' and the items are 'made really well'. 'It is my belief that there is zero room for you to call a polyester dress an investment piece - which is like 95 per cent of what the pieces are [made of]' she added. She also referred to the fabric as 'high grade polyester' while at the same time using her hand to mimic a quotation mark. She did however concede that Aimee was 'very successful' and that her brand did 'huge numbers', but warned her viewers not to take the words of apparel owners at 'face value'. Aimee, who regularly models for her own brand, responded to the fast fashion allegations the next day, by calling them 'offensive'. Alongside a video posted to her TikTok account, she penned a caption that read: 'Odd muse is my literal baby, I work so f***ing hard and I am so proud of how much I have grown this brand with integrity. 'I won't listen to people who don't understand fast fashion tell me I am fast fashion. It's so offensive.' The video showed Aimee posing up a storm in what appeared to be an Odd Muse yellow cinched mini dress and brown sunglasses. The still image was accompanied by the words: 'Yesterday I got accused of running a fast fashion brand.' More text explained that there was a 'huge' difference between fast and slow fashion, and that this mostly centred on 'working conditions' and how long it took to bring a product to market. She also shared a screenshot of the what appeared to be the results of a recent BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) audit, for which Odd Muse received the highest grade possible, grade A. BSCI audits assess social compliance and working conditions within a company, such as employee rights, fair pay, occupational health and safety among others. She concluded the video with a short message seemingly aimed at the apparel educator, which read: 'Leave me alone now please x'. However the mini presentation failed to pacify the influencer, who said the BSCI audit was incomplete.
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
River Island's 'perfect' £42 dress that's 'giving Odd Muse vibes'
River Island shoppers are loving the dress on TikTok - with some saying it's "classy" and gives "Odd Muse vibes" River Island shoppers are wowed by a "classy" dress that looks like one from an upscale label. The retailer, known for its trendy fashion and accessories, might just have a new must-have item in store. The beloved high street brand is selling the Long Sleeve Square Neck Mini Dress for £42, available in various hues; brown, black, cream polka dot, green, pink, and red. Shoppers can find it in sizes six through 22. The chic dress boasts a square neck, long sleeves, decorative pockets, and a flattering mini cut. River Island's website advises customers to machine wash the garment at no more than 30°C and to cool iron it, but cautions against dry cleaning. Shoppers eager for similar styles will find options across other retailers too. Next offers the Friends Like These Black Long Sleeve Square Neck Mini Dress at £36. PrettyLittleThing is currently running a deal on the Chocolate Structured Woven Boat Neck Shift Dress, retailing at only £17.25, reduced from £32. Meanwhile, New Look has the Black Pocket Detail Mini Dress up for grabs at £27.99, reports the Mirror. On TikTok, the River Island dress has garnered attention, with user Shileen (@shileen18) showcasing the cream polka dot iteration in a recent video, captioned: "Odd Muse vibes from @riverisland." Fashion account @thescousestylists also posted footage featuring the dress in black during a River Island visit, with the post reading: "The perfect black dress from @riverisland." Overlaying text on the clip said: "This dress is giving Odd Muse vibes." In the video, the pair chatted about the dress and their styling ideas, remarking: "This is giving Odd Muse vibes. Oh, it is, yeah." They also thought it would be a "nice" choice for the races and described it as "classy" and perfect for a night out, further commenting that it's "very Odd Muse." They noted it was "such an elegant and classy dress." Some customers have turned to the review platform TrustPilot to voice their opinions on River Island, particularly regarding the larger sizes, which could be something to bear in mind when ordering online. One individual mentioned: "Lovely quality but not great sizing." Another shopper expressed: "The quality of most clothes I've tried on are good... but the sizing is HUGE!! I recently bought some new UK size 6 shorts, skirts, jeans and trousers and they slid down my hips and legs! They wouldn't stay on my hips! The dress was huge on me too! I've had to return most of the order (kept the UK size 4 items)." The dress resembles the upscale Odd Muse's The Ultimate Muse Split Sleeve Mini Dress. The premium dress retails at £135, while the River Island one is priced at £42. Both dresses share a similar structured style, complete with long sleeves, ornamental pockets, and defined waists, although the Odd Muse creation features a raised neckline and broader, more flared sleeves than the River Island alternative. For buyers not wanting to break the bank, choosing the River Island dress represents a potential saving close to £93. River Island's Long Sleeve Square Neck Mini Dress can be purchased online here.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
River Island's 'classy' £42 mini dress is 'giving Odd Muse vibes'
River Island shoppers have compared the dress to one by a luxury brand - but there's a big price difference River Island shoppers are impressed with a "classy" dress that's similar to one by a luxury brand. The retailer is well known for it's on-trend fashion and accessories - and now there may be a new fan favourite on the shelves. The high street retailer is selling the Long Sleeve Square Neck Mini Dress, priced at £42, in several colours; brown, black, cream polka dot, green, pink and red. It is available in sizes six to 22. The dress features a square neckline, long sleeves, decorative pockets and a mini length. The retailer has noted online that shoppers should machine wash the product at a maximum 30°C, cool iron it and warns not to dry clean it. For those keen to get their hands on a similar dress, there are a number of other retailers with options. Next stocks the Friends Like These Black Long Sleeve Square Neck Mini Dress for £36. PrettyLittleThing also has the Chocolate Structured Woven Boat Neck Shift Dress on sale for £17.25, down from £32. New Look is selling the Black Pocket Detail Mini Dress for £27.99. The River Island dress has gained attention on TikTok, with user Shileen (@shileen18) showing off the cream polka dot version in a recent clip. Her video was captioned: "Odd Muse vibes from @riverisland." Elsewhere on TikTok, fashion page @thescousestylists shared a clip showcasing the dress in black during a trip to River Island. The post was captioned: "The perfect black dress from @riverisland" while text over it read: " This dress is giving Odd Muse vibes." In the video, the two ladies discussed the dress and how they'd style it. They added: "This is giving Odd Muse vibes. Oh, it is, yeah." They also said it would be a " nice option for the races" and dubbed it "classy" and ideal for night out, adding that it is "very Odd Muse." They added that it is "such an elegant and classy dress." Some shoppers have taken to review website TrustPilot to share their thoughts on River Island, particularly when it comes to large sizing, so it might be worth keeping this in mind when ordering online. One person said: "Lovely quality but not great sizing." Another customer shared: "The quality of most clothes I've tried on are good... but the sizing is HUGE!! I recently bought some new UK size 6 shorts, skirts, jeans and trousers and they slid down my hips and legs! They wouldn't stay on my hips! The dress was huge on me too! I've had to return most of the order (kept the UK size 4 items)." The dress is similar to luxury brand Odd Muse's The Ultimate Muse Split Sleeve Mini Dress. The high end dress is priced at £135, while River Island's comes in at £42. The two feature similar structured designs, with long sleeves, decorative pockets and cinched waist. However, the Odd Muse dress has a higher neckline and wider, flared sleeves than the River Island version. For shoppers on a budget, opting for the River Island dress could be a potential saving of around £93. The Long Sleeve Square Neck Mini Dress is available from River Island here.
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
US TikTok Creators Say Tariffs Adding Huge Costs to New Dresses
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. "The tariffs are coming for my fashion and I don't know what to do," TikTok creator Ayan Broomfield said in a recent viral video, when she received a "fees and taxes," bill of $1115.98 after purchasing two items from the Scandinavian brand, Arakii. Newsweek has reached out to Arakii and Broomfield for comment. Why It Matters On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping tariff agenda on what he dubbed "Liberation Day." The White House has said that the wide-reaching tariffs have been introduced to tackle "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits," and while varying rates have been imposed on the majority of U.S. trade partners, a baseline 10-percent tariff on all U.S. imports is active. Person wears a grey dress during Paris Fashion Week on March 11, 2025 in Paris, France. Person wears a grey dress during Paris Fashion Week on March 11, 2025 in Paris, after Trump was elected for his second term, Google searches for 'Who pays for tariffs,' spiked. Though they are being levied on foreign goods, tariffs are typically paid by U.S. businesses that import those goods, not by foreign governments or companies. Usually, importers will pass costs on to consumers via higher prices, which means that American shoppers will often bear the financial brunt. What To Know "I ordered this beautiful dress because I'm a 2026 bride," the creator Jessica Clark shared in a TikTok video which has been viewed 1.6 million times as of reporting. Clark had purchased a dress from the London based company Odd Muse. Newsweek has reached out to Odd Muse and Clark for comment. "I checked out, it was $225 dollars so it was already kind of a splurge," Clark said in the video. "This morning I woke up seeing that my package has arrived in the United States and that I owe a tariff bill of $325." In a follow up video, Clark shared the bill she had received and said "I'm amazed by how many people think this is not even real, it is." "I don't blame the company, I think they're trying to figure it out as we go," Clark added. Odd Muse state on their website that they are not responsible for any "any import duties, taxes, customs fees, brokerage fees or any other charges issued by your local government." The owner of Odd Muse, Aimee Small shared a video in April where she said she wouldn't be moving production out of China, and shared a heartfelt message to the team there, writing that it is "not just business." Under the question 'Who pays for Customs, Duties and Taxes,' on the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section on their website, Odd Muse states that 'Odd Muse London is not responsible for any import duties, taxes, customs fees, brokerage fees or any other charges issued by your local government. These charges are the responsibility of the recipient and the funds are received exclusively by your local government.' In a video which has been viewed 2.7 million times as of reporting, Broomfield said that she had ordered two pieces from the brand Arakii. "They were a little bit on the pricier side but I thought they were beautiful pieces so I wanted to get them," she said, adding that the total of the purchase had come to $685. "Then about five days later I received an email and it was like, UPS is gonna come and deliver it, but you owe money...I click on the link and it had the audacity to say that I owed $1115.98 American." As of reporting, there is a message at the top of the website on Arakii website which reads "U.S. customers, please check your new regulations regarding import taxes." On the Arakii website's 'Shipping and Returns' section, it states that in the U.S., orders under $800 are "not subject to import duties or taxes," and that orders over $800 might be subject to Import duties or taxes." However, it notes that products made in China which are shipped into the U.S. "may no longer qualify for duty-free entry under the $800 de minimis threshold. This means that even if your order total is under $800, you may still be charged import duties or taxes upon delivery." What People Are Saying Jessica Clark, speaking in her viral TikTok video: "If you are ordering from a company where you are not sure where they are manufactured, you need to check." Ayan Broomfield, speaking in her viral TikTok video: "I literally owe them eleven hundred dollars... this is just a PSA, make sure you're looking at where your pieces are sourced from, else you're gonna get hit with a crazy tariff fine, or tax." Odd Muse on the FAQ section on their website: "Odd Muse London is not responsible for any import duties, taxes, customs fees, brokerage fees or any other charges issued by your local government. These charges are the responsibility of the recipient and the funds are received exclusively by your local government.' Arakii on the 'Shipping/Returns,' section on their website: "Charges are determined by U.S. Customs and are not controlled by us. It is the customer's responsibility to check the latest regulations before placing an order. What's Next On Monday May 12, it was announced that China and the U.S. have agreed to pause their reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, with both sides decreasing their rates by 115 percent, taking the tariffs imposed by Trump down to 30 percent.
