Over the past fortnight, news headlines have played host to a head-spinning saga surrounding the ultra-fast fashion giant Shein.

It started when Shein opened its first physical retail space in Paris — a dedicated area within the iconic BHV Marais department store, operated by BHV-owner Groupe SGM. Excited shoppers queued around the block, some telling news reporters covering the opening that fast fashion democratizes the industry, pointing to the rising cost of living. A larger-than-life poster of Groupe SGM president Frederic Merlin shaking hands with Shein executive president Donald Tang loomed above the doorway.

But across the street, protestors countered their claims, citing Shein’s skyrocketing emissions and a litany of complaints lodged against the company by French authorities,

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