From trendsetter to troubled fashion brand: The rise and fall of Forever 21

After filing for bankruptcy, Forever 21 plans on closing its last remaining stores in the US as the brand pursues a model that is similar to its online competitors. Photo: Bloomberg

“Is it ever sad when fast fashion bites the dust?” Kim France, the founding editor of the seminal Conde Nast shopper Lucky and producer of the popular newsletter Girls Of A Certain Age, said recently, reacting to news that Forever 21 had filed for bankruptcy.

The answer depends on how passionate a consumer is about both bricks and mortar – and the hunt.