Makers of Beyonce's Ivy Park deny sweatshop allegations

The manufacturers of Beyonce's activewear brand Ivy Park deny their garments are made in a sweatshop.

In a statement released on Monday (16May16), a spokesperson defended the brand against claims made by a British tabloid on Sunday, in which it was alleged that its Sri Lanka factory was akin to a sweatshop.

"Ivy Park has a rigorous ethical trading programme," the spokesperson said, according to WWD. "We are proud of our sustained efforts in terms of factory inspections and audits, and our teams worldwide work very closely with our suppliers and their factories to ensure compliance."

The brand added that it fully expects its suppliers to meet their code of conduct and that they "support them in achieving these requirements."

Ivy Park, a joint venture between Beyonce and Topshop owner Sir Philip Green, was accused by The Sun on Sunday of allowing seamstresses to work in substandard conditions at the MAS Holdings factory where some of the garments are made.

The report alleges that the mostly female workers earn $6.17 a day, and could never afford to buy a pair of Ivy Park leggings, which can cost up to $144.

The Sun also reported that the seamstresses were mostly from poor rural villages, can only afford to live in boarding houses and work more than 60 hours a week to make ends meet.

However, the minimum daily wage in Sri Lanka is 400 rupees, or $2.68. This means MAS isn't breaking any laws and the Ivy Park workers are in fact earning more than twice the minimum wage for a day's work.

Ivy Park landed in stores and online last month (Apr16), with the Formation singer presenting motivational messages in the accompanying campaigns.

The brand is named after Blue Ivy, Beyonce's daughter with husband Jay Z, and Parkwood Park in the singer's native Houston, Texas, where she used to run as a child to help build up her stamina for shows.

The line is currently stocked at 12 retailers across 50 countries worldwide including Topshop, Net-a-Porter and Selfridges.

With over 200 pieces of athletic and leisure wear, the collection features leggings, body suits, crop tops and t-shirts designed to enhance a range of body types.