Welcome to Ad Age’s influencer marketing news roundup. Each week, we’ll be highlighting the latest developments at the intersection between brands and the creator economy, including new partnerships between brands and creators, notable new features across social media platforms and the growth of creator-led businesses.
Have tips or news to share about influencer marketing and the creator economy? Email Gillian Follett at [email protected].
New deals
Gawx Art and Shein: YouTuber and artist Gawx Art (who hasn’t revealed his real name online) has come under fire for partnering with fast-fashion giant Shein in the wake of the brand’s controversial influencer trip to one of its factories in China. Gawx announced he’s designing a clothing collection for Shein, launching on Aug. 21, as part of the brand’s Shein X designer incubator program, and shared a portion of his design process on YouTube. But many of the artist’s fans have condemned his decision to work with Shein, which has been accused of abusive labor practices. (Shein has denied these claims.)