Shein Tops ‘Most Popular’ Fashion Brand In 2022 Ranking Despite Controversies
Despite Shein’s rather unsavory reputation for allegedly appropriating artists’ designs without consent, it appears the fast-fashion retailer’s popularity continues to soar, topping a list of the most popular fashion brands in the world.
The ranking, compiled by Money, sees the online-only store as the most favored label in almost every country across the globe, kicking Spanish clothing chain Zara off the throne.
Research showed that the Chinese firm was the most-searched entity on Google in 113 countries, including Australia, France, and Ireland. Zara retained a stronghold in its home nation, along with Greece, Japan, and Turkey.
In third place this year was German online retailer Zalando, followed by Nike, which, according to Fashion United, had dropped two spots from 2021, though it still remained the top brand in 10 countries.
Shein is the most popular fashion retailer in 113 countries, according to Google search data. https://t.co/Jay0aV2c8N pic.twitter.com/jGLtRtQ8u5
— Juozas KaziukÄ—nas (@juokaz) December 2, 2022
Unfortunately, while it’s undeniable that Shein reigns supreme in today’s fast fashion marketplace, there are obvious concerns about the ethics behind the world’s most popular label.
As per Dazed, just hours after it was crowned, the company admitted it had employees working 75-hour weeks with only two to three days of the month off, highlighting the dichotomy between its low prices and high human cost.
Vogue Business previously reported that the fast-fashion giant was launching its own resale portal, though experts have weighed in to say this initiative won’t be near enough to overhaul a business model built on over-consumption.
With the climate crisis and workers’ rights becoming more prominent global concerns, will Shein see its popularity dip in the coming months? Or will the allure of cheap, trendy clothing be too much? We’ll see.
[via Fashion United and Dazed, cover image via Seemanta Dutta | Dreamstime.com]
