Fashion and Pop Culture: An Exploration of the Interconnectedness of Fashion, Social Media, and Society through the Lens of ‘Connecting the Dots’

The series Connecting the Dots by José Criales-Unzueta explores the interconnectedness of fashion, pop culture, the internet, and society. Through this series, we will examine how these different elements influence and impact each other.

One question that many people have wondered is why influencers wear clothing from spring collections to autumn shows during winter. In the past, before Instagram existed, bloggers and VIP guests rarely received pieces from collections or invitations to attend shows. However, with the rise of influencers, brands began to see the value in partnering with them to promote their shows and current collections.

Influencers became popular because brands realized they could reach their target audience online through these influential individuals. This partnership benefited both parties as the influencer gained clout through their association with the brand. However, over time this relationship has evolved with influencers now often working to satisfy brands in order to gain access, sometimes at the expense of their audience’s trust.

Social media has transformed the fashion industry into a realm where going viral is paramount, often overshadowing individual style. While influencers once held more power due to their direct relationship with their audiences, the quest for more access and brand partnerships has shifted the balance of power in favor of brands. This has led to influencers prioritizing brand partnerships over their audience’s interests, resulting in a loss of authenticity and connection with their followers.

The pressure to wear full looks from brands at events has become a common practice as brands seek to create a cohesive ‘moment’ around their shows. However, this pressure often sacrifices the creativity and individuality of influencers who prefer to mix and match pieces from various brands. Despite this, it appears that the influence of brands on influencers continues to grow as they shape the way fashion is promoted and consumed in our digital age.

Overall Connecting The Dots provides an insightful look at how fashion influences pop culture and society through social media and its impact on individuals within it.

This article examines how fashion connects with pop culture through social media.
It explores how fashion trends are often determined by what goes viral on social media platforms such as Instagram.
Additionally, it examines how fashion is used as a tool for political expression.