Hailey Bieber is facing backlash after claiming that profits aren’t a top priority for her beauty brand, Rhode, with critics questioning the remarks given her considerable wealth. During an appearance at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit on October 14, the model and entrepreneur also said she wasn’t interested in “overconsumption.”
However, Rhode has been known for elaborate—and arguably wasteful—PR packaging, non-refillable products, and sells non-essentials including bag charms for your makeup bag and a $16 pimple patch case that doesn’t even include the patches, leaving fans wondering what about Rhode aligns with Bieber’s alleged anti-consumption values. Keep reading for more information.
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Hailey Bieber Is 'Not Into Consumption'
Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit took place in Santa Barbara, California, and Bieber made her appearance alongside Rhode cofounder Lauren Ratner to discuss the beauty brand's growth, business strategy and acquisition by e.l.f. Beauty in a deal valued at up to $1 billion. During her conversation with Fortune's Ellie Austin, Bieber explained that she wants Rhode to prioritize quality over constantly releasing new products, saying she is not interested in encouraging unnecessary consumption.
"I really am not interested in overconsumption," she said, explaining that the beauty industry is already "very, very filled." She also added that she isn't in it for the money, either. "I'm always in the meetings like, 'This isn't like about money for me,'" she said, arguing she'd rather stay true to her vision for the brand.
Social Media Reactions
Across social media platforms, users couldn't help but point out the contradictions in what Hailey was saying versus what she's selling. "Nothing says anti-consumerism like buying a $16 case to store the patches you also have to buy separately," one person wrote on Instagram.
"Greenwashing queeeen who truly cares about our environment with her non-refillable plastic packaging," joked another user.
"Rhode is like the epitome of overconsumption," pointed out another.
"Not interested in overconsumption, but has a mass produced/scalable brand. PR should have prepped better…," said the next.
"I wish I lacked self awareness like this," wrote another user.
"This coming from a millionaire's mouth is rich," a final user wrote.
