BoF’s Lauren Sherman and Matthew Schneier, senior writer at New York Magazine and The Cut, discuss the former star designer’s attempted industry re-entry following a slew of sexual assault allegations.  Background:  Following a flurry of sexual assault allegations — which some thought would wipe him from fashion forever — Alexander Wang is attempting a return to fashion. After dressing celebrities including Rihanna and Julia Fox, and honing his business strategy in China, the designer staged a runway show in Los Angeles historic Chinatown — his first live event in more than three years.   But his plans were thwarted when swarms of consumers rejected the idea of any kind of Alexander Wang comeback following the fashion show — making it clear that his return to fashion is in no way guaranteed. Will consumers buy into a revived Alexander Wang?  “It's up to the public to decide whether they are still interested in what he has to say and whether whatever issues they may have with him personally impact their interest in hearing it,” said Matthew Schneier, senior writer at New York Magazine and The Cut.  Key Insights:  The rise of the Alexander Wang brand was fueled by Wang’s energetic, party-forward image. Even before publicly facing allegations of groping, non-consensual touching and druggings — the relevance of Wang’s brand was beginning to fade amid market shifts including the rise of luxury streetwear labels like Off White.It remains unknown how much the scandal affected Wang’s brand. According to a source close to the business, e-commerce sales have almost doubled since 2020.  Additional Resources: Alexander Wang Plans a Comeback: After sexual assault allegations tarnished his brand, the designer is back with a booming business in China, an upcoming show in Los Angeles and a broader strategy. What Will Happen to Alexander Wang?: Five men spoke to BoF about similar encounters with the New York-based designer, who is facing an onslaught of sexual assault allegations, which he vehemently denies. Could a backlash hurt his business?Join BoF Professional today with our exclusive podcast listener discount of 25% off an annual membership, follow the link here and enter the coupon code ‘debrief’ at checkout.  Want more from The Business of Fashion? Subscribe to our daily newsletter here. Follow The Debrief wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fast fashion upstart Shein set the industry ablaze this month after reports it was seeking to raise $1 billion in funding at a $100 billion valuation, according to Bloomberg. Shein has upended fast fashion by making apparel at jaw-droppingly low price points and gaining market share, attracting major investors. But is it profitable?“Even if Shein isn’t profitable now, the thesis is that if enough people shop from the brand it would be able to leverage some of its operational costs … It could become a very lucrative business,” said Chen. Key InsightsWhile it is unknown whether Shein is profitable, the retailer drives ultra-high sales volume and razor-thin margins Shein is powered by a nimble, AI-driven supply chain, which allows it to produce a plethora of trendy items for an internet-obsessed young fashion audience almost instantaneously. The retailer’s app uses casino-like tactics and rewards to draw shoppers in and keep them buying, sharing and engaging. Despite its murky manufacturing process and reputation for amplifying rates of consumption, Shein is popular among young consumers — who purport to care about sustainability. Additional Resources The $100 Billion Shein Phenomenon Explained: Reports revealed that Shein is seeking over $1 billion in funding at a $100 billion valuation. BoF breaks down how the fast-fashion disruptor has built a global business that now rivals Zara and H&M. How to Compete With Shein: The Chinese fast fashion giant built an empire on unmatched speed-to-market and unbelievably low prices. To compete, others must play a different game. Join BoF Professional today with our exclusive podcast listener discount of 25% off an annual membership, follow the link here and enter the coupon code ‘debrief’ at checkout.  Want more from The Business of Fashion? Subscribe to our daily newsletter here. Follow The Debrief wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.