2024-03-30 10:04:06
Once again, an influencer’s products raise questions. Where does the jewelry that Diana offers to Leo come from? The entrepreneur reacts to a user’s allegations.
Last year, influencer Cathy Hummels found herself in trouble. The reason for this was the products that it sells under the brand name “bee graced”. Apparently identical designs can be found on Chinese platforms like Aliexpress – for a fraction of the price. The inconsistencies and lack of transparency sparked criticism, which Cathy Hummels ultimately defended herself against.
Almost a year later, another influencer is coming into focus. Diana zur Löwen’s products also raise questions. The discussion was inspired by user Ann Wältin on the X platform. The anxiety ring, which Diana zur Löwen sells on her website for 27.95 euros, can also be found in other online shops. This time too for significantly less money. Just like pearl earrings, which are offered elsewhere for less than one euro – while at Diana zur Löwen you pay 49.95 euros for them. Diana zur Löwen tells t-online that she didn’t know that these designs weren’t just available from her.
However, user Ann Wältin noticed another detail on Diana zur Löwen’s homepage: While she previously advertised her jewelry with the words “designed by me and produced fairly and sustainably” – this part was suddenly taken down. Instead it now says: “Discover my favorite jewelry!”
Diana zur Löwen explains the change as follows: “Our previous sustainability information was based on information from our former manufacturer in Istanbul. However, due to difficulties in payment processing, we decided to change this manufacturer recently.” They are currently coordinating with their new partner “to obtain detailed information about their sustainability practices,” she explains. She leaves open why she deleted the statement “designed by me”.
“This is a very complex issue”
The new manufacturer is based in France and has its production facility in South Korea, explains Diana zur Löwen. Individual parts are therefore produced in Asia. But it is well known that production abroad is not particularly climate-friendly. The 29-year-old simply says: “After a long period of research and looking for a manufacturer in Germany, we could not see this as our place of manufacture. So we went one country further to France.”
Diana zur Löwen promises her customers more transparency regarding supply chains in the future. “We are currently in communication with our manufacturer and are trying to present this on our website to the best of our knowledge and belief. This is a very complex topic, but anyone who has dealt with me for a long time should know that I always try to be transparent and to be understandable.” However, Diana zur Löwen does not reveal exactly which manufacturer in France it is.