Photography via Natasha / @_nhphotoz
"Influencer culture has produced an army of clones who believe themselves fashionable but instead replicate almost always to a tee, the ensemble of the other, not in isolation, this distinguishes style and fashion. The former cannot be purported - its innate, lived and formed from life duly informed." - Desirée Venn Frederic
I believe most people in the world are followers. They want someone else to do the heavy lifting and figuring out the meaning of their existence (and style) and then they can simply edit the template to their comfort and needs.
Original thinkers are few and far apart. To find one’s original style (or thought) one has to spend time with oneself and figure out who they are and what do they stand for. Style is a part of one’s personality and is heavily influenced by the life lived and hopefully not so much by the ever-changing-trends.
However the current influencer culture is all about “influencing the influenced”. It’s about making a quick buck. Intention to make a sale drives the content and not vice-versa. There are very few outliers and even when a genuinely ‘different’ voice rises there are so many duplicates instantly that it’s hard to spot the original.
Instant gratification is sparse in the world of self-starters and people treading their own path. Popularity comes to those who are the most relatable and easily “copy-able”. Today’s culture does not support slow and steady. It’s all about now and current.
Original thinkers are few and far apart. To find one’s original style (or thought) one has to spend time with oneself and figure out who they are and what do they stand for. Style is a part of one’s personality and is heavily influenced by the life lived and hopefully not so much by the ever-changing-trends.
However the current influencer culture is all about “influencing the influenced”. It’s about making a quick buck. Intention to make a sale drives the content and not vice-versa. There are very few outliers and even when a genuinely ‘different’ voice rises there are so many duplicates instantly that it’s hard to spot the original.
Instant gratification is sparse in the world of self-starters and people treading their own path. Popularity comes to those who are the most relatable and easily “copy-able”. Today’s culture does not support slow and steady. It’s all about now and current.
I received this set from Cindy Karen and I cannot stop raving about the fit and cut of their pieces. I love these pants with heels, flats, even with trainers. They are versatile, wrinkle-proof, and unbelievably comfortable. As for the blazer, it is the perfect - the fit is fabulous, the material is indestructible, and the overall look is so easily dressed up or down. This is a great option for travel and long work days since it is wrinkle-free and breathable. I would highly recommend both.
Yup. Influencers are free-lance saleswomen shilling for a buck, offering tired styles. You're right that most people are followers; original thinkers are rare. Love your outfit!
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ReplyDeleteWhat I try to do is find originality in a world of photocopies, you're right and I'm so terrified of being part of this type of influencer / blogger. Perhaps the question is: how to avoid it?
Be yourself ;)
DeleteBe yourself ;)
DeleteCurate your feed with only content that speaks to you. If you don't 'see' it, you won't fall into the trap of copying it. Also, you be you !
DeleteSay it louder for the people in the back!! So well said girl - totally appreciate this post! (And loving the outfit!)
ReplyDeleteThis is very true. I don't follow trends or try to copy what other people are wearing. When I get dressed, I literally look in my closet and put things together just because I like how they look. Not to say that being influenced by someone's style is a bad thing because I think it can be fun to experiment and try new things. It becomes a problem when everyone becomes a clone of one another. Being original and unique should be more valuable than what it is. I definitely see myself as more of a leader but sadly, that is not what is valued by others so it's a constant tug-of-war to be relevant yet retain originality.
ReplyDeleteLizzie
www.lizzieinlace.com
Love this post! You nailed the stupidity of social media!
ReplyDeleteMy blog: Street Style City
the whole world of influencing is constantly a debate!! i think this is definitely a good point, but there are plenty of people out there creating original, authentic content too!!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting perspective. This is why I don't like to consider myself an influencer. I began as an Instagrammer 7 years ago, then became a blogger almost 5 years ago, and now I consider myself a blogger and content creator. My job isn't to influence. It's to share my life, and if you happen to enjoy my life and my lifestyle and my fashion choices, and that leads you to follow a brand or make a purchase, than so be it. And I'd never want to appear as a copycat. It's actually why I sometimes think my brand doesn't perform nearly as well. Because I don't wear the same outfits as everyone else or shop at the same places or even have the same kind of house. But I'm grateful for that. I like being unique. But eh - there's so much to get into on this topic haha!
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head with this post! I love your outfit by the way!!
ReplyDeleteI have Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, and most clothes look absolutely ridiculous on me because of the way my hip juts out and my breasts aren't level, so I'm definitely not one to follow the crowd! I've wanted to start a fashion blog for people with disabilities for a while now but I'm not sure it would get many views due to it being different ...
ReplyDeleteLouise x
I could go on and on about this topic! I loved reading your thoughts, as always.
ReplyDeleteYou make some very valid points. I do believe that people don't realize how much work being an "influencer" really is.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this. I think it's because influencing is such a large market right now people think there is only one way (the right way) to present themselves and in copying others to feel like they are doing it right, they lose their own identity and voice. It's a tricky market to play into but I love that you brought this up. Also love your look!
ReplyDeleteYes I can agree that most if not all of us are not creating new content. I do however feel like although people are not creating new content they are sharing it in their view.
ReplyDeleteYou loook great in that outfit. I like it too. It looks comfy except for the high heels.
ReplyDeleteToday’s "now and current" will soon fade out because the world will snap back to its senses and ask where did all the substance go? You are spot on with today's culture and in some instances I feel some on social media and on the social scene in my town bite my style, the way I talk, my jokes. I am to a place now where I realize I am always two steps ahead because I AM the master architect and the carbon copies are waiting for the next blue print. You are one of kind. Movie Director Gary F Gray also talked about authenticity in a master class I attended. Authenticity is key to longevity. The copycats won't last.
ReplyDeleteLoving your work wear look which is so stylish and modern with no hint of old school in it at all. Stunning!
ReplyDeleteIt can be funny to watch some of the common poses online. I will say, that I agree there are few who are true to themselves
ReplyDeleteWell said! You're absolutely right - you have to know and understand who you are to create a brand that truly reflects you and your tastes. I like some trends, but I am not a follower by nature. Great post, I love that you put yourself out there.
ReplyDeleteI do try to do my own thing, but have to admit that social media posts make me want to buy things, so yeah, bloggers do influence, and I don't think it is a bad thing
ReplyDeleteI love your analysis of this phenomenon that's taking over the way we consume anything. Your outfit, ROCKS too!
ReplyDeleteAgree... Recently read a book and your post reminded me of that :) so adding few lines from that :)...
ReplyDeleteTo influence a person is to give one's own soul.He does not think his natural thoughts Or burn with his natural passions .He becomes an echo of someone else's music , an actor of a part that has not been written for him. The aim of life is selF development.
The only thing I am not in sync with you is 'what someone's style stand for'. There are so many who just can not afford and don't have the exposure. The style just becomes what they have...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts. I don't believe money dictates true style. Whenever I have looked through the fashion archives I have often found style was something one created from whatever they had - I don't mean style which is orchestrated by magazines and fashion houses. Style, which represents you, be it in a simple cotton saree that you wear different versions of everyday. :)
DeleteThis is really nice post, I found and love this content also visit grunge outfit. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very interesting. True that people tend to copy each other, but it is difficult to choose originality when a particular style only get success.
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