Shein has expanded the in-take for its fashion design competition, Shein X, to include global applicants for the first time as it continues to look for up-and-coming designers.

Shein X designers

Shein said it has expanded the programme to include applicants from across the world due to “overwhelming demand”.

The competition tests designers on a range of elements including original design concepts, seasonal trends, the ability to balance customer demands and commercial viability.

Shein X sits under the company’s Designer Incubator Programme, founded in January 2021.

The theme for this year’s design challenge is “radiance” and designers are tasked with submitting three spring/summer women’s outfits by February 15.

Members of the public will then have the opportunity to vote for their favourite design submissions and the top 20 will face Shein’s panel of judges before the finalists are announced. The winner of the competition will also win €10,000.

Shein announced in September that it has invested $50m into its Shein X Designer Incubator Programme in a bid to “empower emerging designers” over the next five years to build successful fashion brands.

This brought Shein’s total investment into the programme to $105m by 2028.