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Changes come and go in the fashion industry, whether its trends, innovations, audiences. Fashion influences has sparked a lot of conversation among fashion industry professionals. Some might see fashion influencers in a negative light as their appearance at fashion shows may strip away the authentic nature of the purpose and direction of fashion shows. Others see fashion influencers’ presence as an opportunity to open the door for younger audiences to experience fashion at a very high level.
In recent years, brands have even recruited influencers to model collections on the runway and in campaigns, sparking even more controversy. Fashion Reverie provides a brief reflection on fashion influencers in the fashion industry.
Since the rise of social media, influencers have played an integral role in fashion brands’ marketing, providing a new approach for their fans to stay current. Some folks might see this as fashion brands playing “catch-up” with the continuous change in trends and the fashion industry at large, others see the infusion of influencers as a form of adapting to new audiences and innovation.
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TikTokers, influencers, and content creators have found a new way to siphon off and monetize content from fashion sites and online fashion magazines. With the likes of “fit checks” and “how much does your outfit cost” videos, influencers have changed the landscape for both the market and how trends develop and evolve. From rocking grunge aesthetics to gender-fluid and colorful outfits, influencers have found a way to make their mark in fashion on social media.
In recent years, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, a host of fashion industry professionals have expressed outrage at the proliferation of fashion influencers, which begs the question … What makes an influencer a front-row prospect at fashion week?
Some might say it depends on the influencer’s genuine passion for fashion, others might say it depends on how they contribute to fashion or trends. Are fashion influencers providing a platform for lesser-known brands and designers, or coming up with content that innovates trends? While both reasons have some merit, the overall key component is the influencer’s journey.
Below are a few examples of influencers and their journeys into the world of fashion.
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EMMA CHAMBERLAIN stands out in comparison to other influencers as she’s shown growth in her appreciation and involvement in the fashion world. Starting as one of the biggest YouTubers to having a presence on all social media with her entrepreneurial journey and her new podcast, Chamberlain used her much wider platform to get her foot in the fashion door, so to speak.
Currently, Chamberlain interviews A-list celebrities at the MET Gala. She has developed a wide fan base, as well as collaborations with major fashion brands.
Image courtesy of IMG Models
NARA gained popularity for her enigmatic nature and distinctive voice due to her cooking videos. She recently caused controversy as was a part of Marc Jacob’s recent campaign for “The Tote Bag.” Viewers pointed out that this campaign was an exact copy of a video that a smaller creator, Mary Korlin Downs, had earlier created, furthering the narrative that there’s little to no integrity when it comes to the relationship between influencers and fashion brands.
When it comes to an influencer who received praise for their authenticity, WSDM takes the cake. Wisdom Kaye is one of the few fashion influencers who’s not only broken barriers in the fashion world by appearing on the MET Gala red carpet and waling in a variety of fashion shows. Wisdom Kaye consistently makes videos where he breaks stereotypes, gives lesser-known brands a platform, and sets his own lane.
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In a recent episode on “Complex,” Kerwin Frost sat down with A$AP Nast, Tremaine Emory, and Bloody Osiris and spoke to the challenges around influencers in the fashion industry.
“Fashion Week is just slowly, slowly but surely dying off … people who really, really, genuinely cared were there to go see shows. But because a lot of these brands are in “influencer wars,” it’s like “Who could get the best influencers here? … It’s no more about just actually going to see a beautiful and amazing show… Somebody that’s sitting next to me, they got a $10,000 outfit on, they’re only happy because it’s $10,000. Don’t sit me next to that guy … I worked too hard to get where I’m at, to have you sit me next to somebody that took this as a mockery,” explained A$AP Nast.
Ultimately, fashion is about selling merchandise. Still, consumers are questioning if influencers are hindering the integrity of the industry. Retail sales will be the deciding factor.
Lauren Pierre-Louis
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