Fast fashion juggernaut Shein is now on an overdrive in the US, with plans to onboard over 500 designers this year.
- The announcement came in the aftermath of the recent Shein X Design Summit, which hosted hundreds of artists and designers, as well as industry leaders, in Los Angeles, California.
- From just seven designers when it launched in January 2021, the Shein X incubator programme has grown to almost 3,000 designers globally, launching more than 25,000 original creations.
- Shein has invested $55 million into the programme and guides participants through the end-to-end process, from product development, to manufacturing, to marketing and supply chain logistics.
- The designers maintain ownership rights to their Shein X designs.
- Since the launch, Shein X artists and designers around the world have earned over $5 million in commission from the sale of the Shein X products, the company has claimed.
The Shein Event: The day-long summit on 1 April featured designer-dedicated programming and networking opportunities, including panels with LaQuan Smith, designer and founder of LaQuan Smith; Laura Kim, co-creative director at Monse; Maeve Reilly, celebrity stylist; Gary Wassner, CEO of Hilldun Corporation; Evette, co-founder of Act of Faith and founder of EXO Cosmetics; Racquel Natasha, influencer, designer and founder of Natasia swimwear; and Josephine Skriver, model and co-founder of JOJA.
- There was also a performance from the Future X, where the group announced each member would be partnering with a Shein X designer to launch their own capsule collection on Shein's platform.
- Attendees onsite connected with stylists, merchandisers, buyers, influencers and other industry professionals, including top performing Shein X designers Armand Medhiri, Kenya Freeman and Valerie Campbell of Freak City, who shared their personal experiences with the programme and advice for other aspiring creatives.
- More than 20 designers from around the world showcased their personal collections at the event.
- Shein X designers Danielle Brion, Veronica Diaz Montalvo and Jade Breyon were chosen for a previously announced mentorship opportunity with Kim, while Shein X designer Francesca Lazzari was chosen for a mentorship program with Reilly.
What They Said:
The idea for this summit came from Shein X designers themselves. We're always looking for feedback from our designers, and several wanted an educational opportunity where they could come together, get to know one another, and learn more about how to build their brands—all while having some fun. We hope we delivered on that today, and we'll continue to identify ways to empower Shein X designers and improve their experience with the programme.
— George Chiao
President
Shein US
Keep going, keep going, keep going. For me, my career has been a long road, with a lot of twists and turns, but when you wake up each day and know you're doing what you're here to do, there's nothing like it. The Shein X programme has opened so many doors for me, and I've never been more excited for what's ahead.
— Kenya Freeman
Designer
Shein X
