As we move through the new world of fashion, a massive part of the industry has become reliant on digital influence.
Years back, the word “influencer” was barely heard of, but nowadays it carries as much modern influence as its telling name suggests. The world of social media has opened up so many opportunities for so many people with passions for many things, but the world of fashion especially. To talk all about the digital world, 5 incredibly influential people in the style world sat down at Spring Studious in Manhattan among NYFW’s “The Talks,” a series of conversations all about the world of fashion within the world around us. At this talk, we saw, Head of Content and Creator Partnerships at Pinterest-Aya Kanai, Tiktok content creator- Tinx (dubbed digital big sister of tiktok), creative director-Brandon Maxwell, director of development at Teen Vogue-Mi-Anne Chan, supermodel and entrepreneur-Coco Rocha, and dancer/model/actor-Parker Kit Hill.
The conversation opened up the idea of going out of your comfort zone, doing things differently than those before you have done it. Aya Kanai talked about how we don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day, so why not do something different every day with other aspects of our life and style. Turning to designer Brandon Maxwell, she talked about the unique aspect of his shows that make them so fun. She recalled a memory about eating french fries in the museum of natural history at a Brandon Maxwell show.
Maxwell is no stranger to being true to himself. When talking about raw vulnerability in your work, he simply talked about how he’ll always be himself. Maxwell talked about only partnering with brands that he enjoys. As an avid lover of Shake Shack, they cater so many of his shows. It’s this authenticity, this desire to be real within a world where so many people hide, that sets him apart.
Supermodel Coco Rocha had a bit to say as well about going with your own mind and what you know is right, talking about not allowing money to be an excuse for going about projects you don’t feel 100% comfortable with. An incredible message for young people in the industry, as she is notorious for helping young models and giving incredible advice.
The digital influence world is only growing, and with such incredible people in the drivers seat, we can only imagine the wonderful things it will become. Hear more about NYFW: The Talks and see an archive of some recordings here!
