Shein X is the fast fashion giant’s program meant to support independent artists and designers. Shein announced last week that it was investing about $270 million across Europe and the U.K., and part of the funding will be reserved for Shein X.
The new collection was designed by Kim and Garcia, who mentored five fashion designers in the Shein X program to co-design and release the line, per the announcement. The collaboration supports the expansion of Dress for Success Greater New York City, a program that connects women to career support and development tools as well as professional attire.
“At MONSE, we are passionate about inclusivity in fashion, which is why we partnered with SHEIN X on a collection that offers an accessible price point for all,” Kim said in the release. “As a supporter of Dress for Success’ mission, this project has been extra rewarding because it not only celebrates creativity and diversity in fashion, but also supports a cause that is close to my heart. MONSE’s collections focus on deconstructing menswear for women. We want to empower them through our designs, so they feel powerful to take on anything. We are proud to be part of a collaboration that uplifts women and emerging designers alike.”
The collaboration with Monse marks a change for Shein.
A bulk of the fast fashion giant’s previous intellectual property deals have been character collaborations, including collections with “Scooby Doo,” “Tom & Jerry” and other movie and television characters, according to a Shein spokesperson.
The Monse collaboration could give weight to Shein, which has been working to boost its legitimacy as it faces a variety of regulatory and legal pressure.
Last year, it inked several deals with established brands, such as the deal with Forever 21’s operator the Sparc Group, which allows both brands to distribute each other’s products through their digital and retail channels. Also last year, Shein bought U.K.-based apparel brand Missguided from the Fraser’s Group.
