Wearing thin

Shein has become one of the most disruptive forces in modern fashion. But the global retailer "isn't really a fashion company so much as it's a tech giant," according to UD Professor Sheng Lu.

The online brand, founded in China and now headquartered in Singapore, blends data analytics, supply-chain management and digital marketing to grow consumer demand while raising pertinent issues around sustainability and social responsibility.

"I encourage consumers to ask more questions," said Lu, an expert in global textiles and apparel who recently met with company leaders to better understand their business model. "The more questions consumers ask, the more attention companies will have to give these issues."