hi all! so I’ve seen a few posts on this subreddit about fm2u. 

The lace up dress (ravencross dress) went absolutely viral in the goth space and now many knock offs of this design have appeared online.  

I just had a question as a founder genuinely hoping for some clarity and constructive feedback. (Hostile comments will be deleted). 

I’ve been seeing A LOT of rhetoric around “drop shipping”

and I would like some genuine feedback and insight on how I can improve this. 

For context, this claim is completely untrue- which is why I’ve felt compelled to make a whole post asking about this.  

As a person who has been alt / goth for years, ethics and values are so important to me. Sustainability and ethics are a huge and non negotiable part of being goth. And as I started fm2u I made this very clear. I’ve been sharing my design process online for 4 years, I’ve been posting videos of my drawings, developing samples, sewing up my own samples, and even clips of our team packing our orders at our office. As well, I have my sweatshop free registered certifications not only mentioned but also a screenshot of it displayed on my website. It feels like I’ve done everything in my power to show our values and how we are NOT drop shipping, 

A part of my disheartened outlook also comes from many big brands having stolen my designs and also Shein and Temu having stolen my designs. I feel completely powerless against these big brands, they’ve also gone as far as stealing photos of me in my sewing room (ironic) and posted it on their websites. I did reach out to Dollskill and they did take my piece down. However Shein and Temu still have my products up. 

As a small POC creator I genuinely feel so let down, powerless and disheartened as I know my designs being on those websites does add to the “drop shipping” rhetoric. 

The most frustrating part of it is that their horrible actions affect the reputation of MY brand with no fault of my own. It’s really a horrible place to be in. 

If it’s not already obvious, these values are so so close to my heart. I’ve put all of my energy and priorities on the ethics of this brand. 

There are many subjective claims about the business on the designs that is entitled to their own opinion on. However, this does not apply to the false claim of us “drop shipping.” As this is just objectively plain wrong and false. 

I am really open to polite, constructive feedback that comes from kindness. Too often I’ve had to see not only my brand but also my body, my face and my race shamed within nasty comments of my brand on this sub 🥲 

I’ve also attached photos of all of my proof and evidence. 

Photo 1 - the first ever sample I got of the dress. Initially I was going to make it with cap sleeves. (2 years ago) 

Photo 2 - A photo of me in my sewing room playing around with the sleeves and design. (2 -years ago) 

Photo 3 - Me playing around with ribbons as I thought spaghetti straps would look best with this design (Lol I was so right the dress vas a viral hit!) (unfortunately or fortunately) - Also 2 years ago 

Photo 4 - same as above 

Photo 5 - a screenshot from our literal packing team group chat to show we are not drop shipping and actually hold all of our stock right here in our Adelaide office. 

Photo 6 same as above 

Photo 7 - An ironic screenshot of me from over 2 years ago 

Photo 8 - image of me wearing my designs used and stolen by shein 

Photo 9 same as 8 

Photo 10 same as 8

Photo 11 same as 8

Photo 12 same as 8 

Photo 13 same as 8 

Photo 14 the actual first ever drawing I did and posted in July 2024 

Photo 15 the first (horrible i know) sample of the dress I sewed up. 

Photo 16 Dollskills response to me. 

I can’t wait to hear your guys’ feedback <3 

Serious question about a big goth brand - viral lace up dress