THE WHAT? Shein has filed registration documents in advance of an initial public offering on the New York stock exchange, according to a report published by Reuters quoting ‘people familiar with the matter’ as its source.

THE DETAILS The Chinese fast fashion brand has registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in strictest confidence and is expected to make its debut before the end of the year.

THE WHY? A spokesperson for Shein told Reuters that there is no truth in the ‘rumors’ and the SEC declined to comment when contacted by the news agency. If there’s any substance to the whispers, Shein’s cloak and dagger approach can be explained by the controversy surrounding its labor practices; with a bipartisan group attempting to block any potential listing.