SHEIN X: EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION IN FASHION

By: Prachi Khatri

SHEIN became a household name quickly through aggressive advertising on various social media platforms. Known for its budget friendly, trendy clothing that may or may not arrive as described, SHEIN won over the internet regardless. Founded in 2008, SHEIN also grew in popularity from its extensive catalogue, offering everything from swimwear to eveningwear. Despite having a lot of negative attention from becoming a ‘fast fashion’ giant, SHEIN has recognized the need to make a positive impact in society through its SHEIN X program.

Launched in 2021, SHEIN X is a program that aims to empower creativity, making the business of fashion accessible to emerging talent. Essentially it is a designer incubator program that gives emerging designers tools necessary for them to convert their creative visions into reality. This initiative has been a monumental breakthrough during a time when problems such as exclusivity and high barriers to entry continue to plague the sector. By democratizing fashion design, SHEIN X presents an opportunity to designers from all walks of life who want to showcase their designs on their global platform.

Credit: SHEIN X

The program is generating ripples through its revolutionary initiative that not only reforms the fashion industry but also promotes social responsibility. SHEIN X is straightforward and efficient. Designers submit their ideas to SHEIN and if they are chosen for support, the company will help them with material sourcing, production marketing and sales among other things. By considering these aspects together ensures that designers can concentrate on creating without being burdened by logistical or financial constraints.

One significant advantage of using the SHEIN X program over others is its reach. Their website quotes that it has helped generate US $5.37 million in commission to about 3000 artists and designers they have worked with. Currently with 101k followers on its official Instagram account, Shein X has quickly gained momentum since its launch through campaigns and contests.

“Since we launched SHEIN X in 2021, thousands of entrepreneurs have been able to elevate their brands on the global stage through the program. This year, we are looking to onboard 1,000 more, and we are excited to partner with visionaries and veterans from across the fashion industry to guide and support the next generation of designers and artists.”​ - SHEIN’s Global Head of Brand, George Chiao (PRNAsia)​

The vast worldwide customer base of SHEIN and the online presence of the company make participating designers gain invaluable exposure. The visibility in this industry is significant because the struggle is real for emerging designers in the fashion industry, which can be as hard as the design process itself.

The achievements that come from SHEIN X are proof of its major influence. The authors of the program have been successful in their career thanks to the program. Nigerian designer Tolu Coker, who is known for her vibrant and cultural designs, came to worldwide attention after her collaboration with SHEIN X. At the same time, the American designer Ashley Nell Tipton, who was the winner of "Project Runway," also expanded their influence through the partnership with SHEIN.

SHEIN X projects are playing important a role in the promotion of diversity in the fashion industry as well as uplifting talented designers in their careers. SHEIN is making the silent voices heard by adding them to the fashion world, which is more diverse and inclusive. The program not only gives designers the possibility to innovate but also the chance to break up old industry standards. Through creativity, accessibility, and sustainability, SHEIN X is raising a new bar on how sophisticated the fashion brand can be and operate in a responsible way. It is a collective effort.

SHEIN X is the program that expresses Diane von Furstenberg's words, who once said, “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.” It carries the message to the next generation of designers whose voices are heard and their talents recognized.

For more information check out their website https://www.discoversheinx.com/ or their instagram https://www.instagram.com/sheinx__official/