SHEIN X Revolutionizes The Path for Independent Designers
Whether you love or hate the global retail giant Shein, one things for sure, they are setting the standard when it comes to supporting independent designers. On Saturday, April 1, SHEIN hosted the company’s first-ever SHEIN X Design Summit, which gathered hundreds of artists, designers, and industry leaders at City Market Social House in Los Angeles, California. The day-long summit featured designer-dedicated programming and networking opportunities, including panels with LaQuan Smith, designer and founder LaQuan Smith of LaQuan Smith; Laura Kim, co-creative director at Oscar de la Renta & Monse; Maeve Reilly, celebrity stylist; Gary Wassner, CEO of Hilldun Corporation; Evette, co-founder of Act of Faith; Racquel Natasha founder of EXO Cosmetics; Josephine Skriver influencer, designer and founder of Natasia swimwear, model and co-founder of JOJA. The panelist uncovered personal experiences, honest feedback and invaluable knowledge to the SHEIN X attendees.
Photo credit: Virisa Yong/BFA courtesy of SHEIN
When it comes to the journey of a designer, many are uninformed of the challenges and hardships some designers face. Without adequate support and investment, many tend to struggle with finances, operations and scaling their business. The words “Keep going, keep going, keep going,” were voiced by panelist Kenya Freeman.
Freeman expressed “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 program has opened so many doors for me, and I’ve never been more excited for what’s ahead.” The Atlanta-based designer behind Sylvia Mollie launched her first collection with SHEIN X in 2021.
Photo credit: Virisa Yong/BFA courtesy of SHEIN
Attendees on site had the opportunity to connect 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 program and advice for other aspiring creatives.
CEO George Chiao stated back in 2020 he asked Justin Romero designer of Freak City LA “What can we do to help small indie fashion designers?" Romero replied, “Some of the biggest challenges designers face, especially smaller designers, have to do with production, marketing, getting exposure and finding capital”. Justin expressed that if SHEIN can take care of these things, it would be a big help.
Fashion design has been referred to as a rich kid’s sport. Through my personal journey with working independent designers, I’ve come to know that some of the best designers are self-taught and design out of their homes or garages. SHEIN X gives an unbiased opportunity to designers with talent. By doing so SHEIN X has formed a unique market of eclectic one-of-a-kind options to give their growing consumers while giving independent designers a platform to profit.
Delaware-based luxury gown designer Francessca who recently debuted her collection at NYFW expressed that she creates all of her garments by hand and handles all of her operations. Having the opportunity to work with SHEIN X allowed her to make her designs more accessible to her fan base as well as work with a team that gives her great support. Francesca Lazzari was chosen for a mentorship opportunity with Maeve Reilly which completely came to her surprise.
Photo credit: Virisa Yong/BFA courtesy of SHEIN
Georgia-based designer Christina Howell of Curvy Fox stated Shein X gave her the opportunity to sell at a global level.
Designer Avee Charles expressed “Since being a part of Shein X, our band has been accepted for New York Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week & Miami Swim Week. Years ago I would have been too nervous to apply for these opportunities but they are now opening doors for me.”
The event celebrated independent designers and encouraged them to leverage the company’s flagship incubator program, SHEIN X, as we announced SHEIN is looking to onboard an additional 500 designers and artists in the U.S. alone in 2023.
I was very impressed at the attention to detail and feedback that George Chiao and the Shein X team have taken action to and ecstatic by the future initiatives SHEIN X will be taking. George Chaio mentioned a program set to take the stage called “Launch Pad” which will be focused on getting college students job-ready and equipped for the workplace. A fund that will help designers in need in different aspects of their career with the goal to help Shein X designers thrive outside the Shein ecosystem and lastly a Shein X design studio that will be like a WeWork but for the SHEIN X design community. This pilot will launch in LA and venture to other locations if successful.
More than 20 SHEIN X designers from around the world also showcased their personal collections at the summit. “The idea for this summit came from SHEIN X designers themselves,” George Chiao, SHEIN’s U.S. president, said at the event. “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 program.”
From just seven designers when the program launched in January 2021, the SHEIN X incubator program has grown to almost 3,000 designers and artists from around the world, launching more than 25,000 original creations. SHEIN has invested more than $55 million into the program and guides participants through the end-to-end process, from product development to manufacturing, to marketing and supply chain logistics. Importantly, SHEIN X designers maintain ownership rights to their SHEIN X designs. Since the launch of SHEIN X, SHEIN X artists, and designers have earned over $5 million in commission from the sale of SHEIN X products globally.
Photo credit: Virisa Yong/BFA courtesy of SHEIN
In Addition to all the excitement a performance also took place by The Future X, where the group announced each member will be partnering with a SHEIN X designer to launch their own capsule collection on SHEIN’s platform. The Shein X design summit ended with networking and a hip lounge atmosphere where cocktails and light bites were served over tunes from DJ Chantel Jefferies.
Photo credit: Virisa Yong/BFA courtesy of SHEIN
Stay Connected to keep up with updates from SHEINX
Written by: Joy Breitman