My last post on a new YSL bag that I like received a lot of interesting comments from readers that made me think I should continue the conversation. I like the bag because it seems timeless. I also noted that if I had been an influencer, I might have received one like others pictured in my story. Many of you commented that the minute something shows up on more than one influencer, you feel the value of the item is lost, it becomes less special, even cheapened in a way. In fact, it might keep you from buying that item.
I get it. In fact, one of the reasons I didn’t carry my Birkin bag for years (but not why I ultimately sold it) is because Kim Kardashian kept lugging them around. I don’t like to write disparaging things on this blog (there is more than enough of that these days), but Kim and all the over-consumptive, over-injected fake everything that she stands for is the anti-thesis of what I believe in. So her constantly carrying a Birkin made me never want to pull mine out. I did eventually get over it, but it took a while.
It does make me wonder, how do we value something in fashion and decide it’s worthy? I am not sure I have the answer. Almost every big fashion influencer has a classic Chanel bag, which I want, and an Hermes Kelly or Birkin. Those bags haven’t lost their allure, they are still the most timeless and elegant (and incredibly expensive) bags out there.
Perhaps it has more to do with the fact that influencers are given and paid to wear things–the big ones probably hardly buy any clothing or accessories ever, except for perhaps their underwear (if even). They are in new things everyday, shot in a way that makes many people feel their own wardrobes aren’t enough, and that’s the point–they fetishize fashion to generate sales. Maybe that’s why many of us think influencers are ruining things–they don’t pay for what they’re wearing and you feel the lack of value given to what they post, because each thing is a commodity. Some do have style that is fun to watch, others just feel like perpetual clothes hangers whose “style” morphs into the brand that is paying for their latest post.
But the value of clothing and accessories comes in the way they make you feel, the utility they serve and the integrity of the design and craftsmanship. That is why I love fashion. It is why I love beautiful things. Perhaps it’s about extricating and holding on to that thought and applying it to what you bring into your life, all the while ignoring the influence of influencers.
Jennifer says
Thank you for the incredible post Jennifer and for continuing the conversation! I love your thoughts and I think your insight regarding tuning out the noise from influencers etc.. is spot on. I have resisted buying certain items (the YSL bag for instance) because of this exact issue. At the end of the day, if you love something and appreciate it’s beauty and the bit of joy it gives you let that be enough! Tune everything else out. Good advice for almost anything these days!
Charlotte Goldfarb says
Hi Jennifer ~ well now we all know we are not alone ~ I am constantly aware of looking “influenced”. I think this why I continue to be drawn to vintage/estate items, high and low, so that my look continues to be mine. I continue to look for authentic inspiration in other women but am mindful to avoid the obvious influencers. Thank you for being authentic and real.
Susan says
Great post and you are so right!
I’ve noticed when some influencers wear a bag for instance, it wears them and not other way around.
Jackie’s Gucci just seemed right!
Emma says
“DO INFLUENCERS RUIN FASHION FOR YOU?” 100% yes.
Denise Brady says
I pay no attention to them. I do notice though, if I see something too much or too often I will lose interest. One thing that did bother me years ago when I was given an original tank watch from the 1940’s that had belonged to my grandfather. Suddenly that style was all the rage. There were tons of knock offs. I didn’t want to look like I had jumped on that bandwagon and stopped wearing it for a while. I did get over it and now I wear it all the time. It has meaning.
KSL says
I don’t follow influencers on Instagram, so I’m thankfully insulated from their “influence”. I do follow Linda V. Wright, because I actually wear things she sells, she’s a similar age and type, so I do get some inspiration from her. But, when I saw the SL bag on the influencers in your post yesterday, I understand why it both boosts an item’s attraction and at the same time, detracts from it – confusing one’s own opinion, which used to be made while browsing in a real store.
Kelli Doyle says
First, this is a super conversation – thanks for bringing this business into the light. Chiming in, I really dislike obvious logos and things that are SO recognizable – they seem all too shouty –look at me– and so that is a deal breaker. I feel there’s a big difference when we are being “sold” something as opposed to being “shown” something. I enjoy seeing how people express themselves, but if it feels like I am being “managed” and overly encouraged to “click” more for their financial enrichment vs learning about the craftsmanship or availability of the garment, bag, etc. I am annoyed and move on.
Betsy Ames says
Yes, to answer your question Jennifer. And @charlottegoldfarb I agree 100%.
Betsy Ames says
Yes Jennifer! And Charlotte I agree 100%!
Gilly says
Hello my fellow fashion thinkers,
I 100% agree with Jennifer . I do not know who these influencers are, as I only , am
“ influenced by “ Preston, Jennifer, Allyson and the Texan woman who lives in Paris.
I do receive a newsletter once a week from a local woman in Melbourne who I find very informative. Her name escapes me.
Lauren says
Gilly, I would be interested in knowing the names of those other blogs. Preston = Keep it Chic but Allyson and the Texan woman I am unfamiliar with and would like to know more. I’m trying to be intentional about the instagram influencers I follow, the blogs I read, avoiding those that pitch endless amounts of crp, one and done outfits.
MMS says
I guess the answer is mostly yes. The issue is that very selective gifting would be fine but when it becomes plentiful and the item appears everywhere then the item is largely ‘ruined’ for me. I guess the reason a lot of Hermes and Chanel items are still coveted is because they were around before influencers. I put away my Birkins a few years ago with a view to re-use at some point when they are less visible. Sadly I don’t think the trend of gifting influencers will change as the women who read/adhere to your blog/views are in a minority.
Mamavalveeta03 says
I guess it depends on how you define “Influencer.” If it’s “someone who inspires the actions of others,” i.e. through shopping, style, etc. then perhaps even you are an influencer, Jennifer. I don’t mean that in a negative sense at all. I’m here, after all! Social media is the perfect forum to encourage people to desire what they see and then buy it – We always seem to want what’s new and shiny. This is a HUGE difference from when I was growing up and you saved up for what you needed before you bought it, and it was most likely to replace something that had worn out. Perhaps you’re exuding positive influence on us to “buy better/buy less” and return us to a more responsible way of consuming.
KDrewry says
Influencers definitely ruin it for me. I don’t want what everyone has. I want to be unique. I would love to see more of how your capsule wardrobe is styled Jennifer. Being creative with fewer items is way more interesting to me then owning one of everything! I am all for buy better/buy less and take great care of the items so they last.
A big issue I am experiencing now is if I see something that may be a new, well thought out purchase and I sleep on it, by the time I go back the item is always sold out in my size. I found a sweater, after your great sweater post inspired me, and it was an investment amount so I waited a day to think through my wardrobe and the next day it was sold out in every size and no where to be found on the world wide web.
Rosemarie says
We’re all participating in a system. Something stimulates desire, we covet enough to purchase, repeat. Our aspirations for representation–to appear well educated, wealthy, connected, alluring, you name it–grease this system’s wheels for each of us. We assemble clothes to achieve our desired representation, and when the outward collage we put together each day somehow strikes the right chord with our inner being, it feels like a high. That high is sustained in the satisfaction we feel for ourselves and in the feelings of joy and community when we recognize this skill at assemblage in other women and, yes, in the covetousness we provoke in one another as well. We celebrate and let’s say spur each other along to refine our chords. So in this system, we’re all influencers, just to varying degrees of scale and efficacy of practice.