Influencers Invade New York Fashion Week
By Erin Spellman
HOT TAKE: Bubbling influencer factions have diminished the prestige of New York Fashion Week.
The fashion capital of the U.S., New York City hosts the bi-annual NYFW, where designers present their collections to buyers, the press, and lucky members of the public.
Traditionally regarded in high esteem, NYFW was always the talk of the town, shrouded in delightful mystery and exclusivity that outsiders itched to uncover. It’s where the biggest names in fashion congregate to view the latest launches from major labels.
Through their shows, designers express their artistic visions. Invitees are given the opportunity to experience the upcoming trends and fads.
In their attire, attendees are expected to unleash their creativity but dignify the craft with thoughtful, tasteful ensembles.
This year, however, our feeds were flooded with pictures of outfits that were an embarrassing sight to behold. The lineup was less of a dazzling display and more of a clown show. We saw scantily-clad TikTokers and half-naked “Only Fans” models come onto the scene, tarnishing the historically haute exhibition.
From model Julia Fox's totally transparent acrylic dress to TikTok influencer Lauren Wolfe's Flinestone-themed dress and nude Playboy bunny jumpsuit, many attendees left us wondering, “what were they thinking?”
In their Outfit of the Day videos, some influencers compiled outfits composed of poor-quality fast fashion, such as Zara or Shein, notorious for ripping off luxury designers and using inhumane labor practices. While one could argue that indecency is a form of self-expression, NYFW attendance comes with the responsibility of dressing in garments that honor the reputation of the festival.
Hosted in February and September, NYFW tends to feature more conservative samples, reflecting fall and winter weather. Many of the best dressed and most memorable street style pieces of years past included bright, colorful jackets, menswear-inspired trousers, or mid-length dresses. Now, we’re subject to TikToks showing influencers strutting the streets in H&M lingerie.
Many brands invite these influencers under the assumption that they will promote next season’s products to a wider pool of consumers. But lately these individuals use NYFW to chase clout. To them, it’s about personal brand growth, not fashion, which devalues the whole experience for the loyal fans. NYFW should be aspirational, yet it has become a commercialized mega photo-op for social media stars. Fashion has taken a backseat as a consequence.
The devolution of NYFW has accelerated because of its embrace of left wing politics. Designer LaQuan Smith launched his “semi-nude” spring collection at this NYFW, using the USS Intrepid, a naval aircraft carrier commissioned during WWII in the Pacific Theater, as a catwalk. Vice President Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter Ella Emhoff modeled for designer Prabal Gurung wearing a sheer top that exposed her breasts.
Once the Olympics for the fashion industry, NYFW now feels like a party at the Playboy Mansion, filled with tasteless, wanna-be models who exploit the production for personal gain.
