Social media: Frivolous compilation of selfies or legitimate business tool? I’ll let you in on a secret. Following the right people on your social platforms and subscribing to the best websites is the key to staying up to date on all things related to the fashion industry, or any industry for that matter. I’ve spent some time curating my feed, and now I’m here to share the formula that keeps my inbox flooded with entertaining and informative content.
First and foremost are my subscriptions to fashion news sites. Womens Wear Daily, the Business of Fashion, The Fashion Law, and the Coveteur have all proven to be valuable resources for different reasons. There are three main categories I split my subscriptions into: Education, business and politics, and fashion trends and entertainment.
Women’s Wear Daily and The Business of Fashion are the most widely recognized sources for fashion news, and with good reason. Here you will find insight on the latest couture collections, financial information on fashions top brands (and why they might be going down the E-commerce only route soon…ahem…Marc Jacobs). These sources are a goldmine for fashion students and anyone interested in what happens behind the scenes of the never-ending show that is the fashion industry. Not to mention I’m giving BoF bonus points for providing students with free professional accounts!
Activists and rebellious types rejoice! The Fashion Law explores the business practices of top trending brands to exploit the real ethical pitfalls as well as successes a company endures. Who is being left out in the uprise of fashions #metoo movement? What do garment workers in Bangladesh earn compared to the CEOs of Zara and other fast fashion brands? Is it legal for Kim K look-alikes to start their own brands based on their resemblance to a celebrity? The Fashion Law is a one-stop-shop when searching for the truth about the integrity of all of your favorite brands and influencers.
For trend forecasting and the inside scoop on up-and-coming brands, be sure to subscribe to Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The Coveteur, Man Repeller, and Refinery29. These are personally my favorites too!
Vogue and Harper’s – whether you subscribe to their print magazine or digital newsletters, these two publications have a little of everything—from high-end fashion editorials and advertisements to celeb news and styling tips.
The Coveteur, Man Repeller, and Refinery29 are all very unique. They resonate with a younger audience, call attention newer, upcoming brands and don’t follow stereotypical formats in terms of writing or the content they create. The concepts: A debate about shoes written as a courtroom drama, and a-typical pieces such as cowboy boots made an editorial grade of beautiful. This is what you are signing on for when you type in your email on the home page.
Now that your gmail account it taken care of, it’s time to give your social media feeds a makeover. I like to use social media as a mood board, and a stress-free way to network. Before I get into exactly who to follow, I will say that social media is a great way to familiarize yourself with people you hope to work for or with some day. Check the masthead of your favorite magazines, or google the creative directors, market editors and buyers for brands and stores you admire. You could very easily do this research through LinkedIn, but this is a more casual way to see what a day in the life looks like for someone you aspire to be. People you look up to may post instagram stories or static photos of their work environment and daily tasks for you to see. I have even met some of my interns, photographers and other partners through social media!
Now for specifics. First and foremost, Danielle Bernstein of @weworewhat is a girlboss to follow. Not only is she on Forbes 30 under 30 list for her brands Second Skin Overalls and Archive Shoes, but she uses Instagram stories on a daily basis to share news and insight into what her meetings look like. From the glamorous parties, to vacations, or days spent behind a desk, she exposes it all while wearing the wardrobe of our dreams. Look no further for inspiration from a fearless entrepreneur.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BevML_egWwt/?hl=en&taken-by=weworewhat
Another standout is Nicole Warne, more commonly known as @garypeppergirl throughout her career as a model, street style star and blogger. Nicole often features extravagant couture shows, events with celebrities and vacations from around the world on her Instagram account. On her journey from farm girl to fashion icon, Nicole went from her small ebay shop to an Instagram account with 1.7 million followers, earning her spot as a member of the coveted Forbes 30 Under 30 club.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcngagdgMyP/?taken-by=garypeppergirl
For my readers in college (or even if you are not), @collegefashionista is one of my favorite accounts to browse! Beyond their perfectly planned feed with endless outfit inspiration from their amazing style gurus, the account is packed with interviews from influential women in fashion business. There are snippets from their podcast CF Office Hours. Look no further than College Fashionista’s Instagram stories and highlights bar for the wise words of everyone from beauty expert and entrepreneur Michelle Phan to Youtuber Chriselle Lim.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bep28kIh6ez/?taken-by=cfashionista
I also highly recommend following Girlboss (@girlboss) on social media! Girlboss was founded by former NastyGal CEO, Sophia Amoruso, and has built a support system for career oriented women in all fields to fuel the fire that is their desire to be successful through inspirational quotes, self-care and wellness tips, and rounding up all of the best job listings for you! I have found this to be one of the most resourceful (not to mention fun) accounts I follow!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bevj2bgAh9d/?taken-by=girlboss
If you were following along (pun intended) you have just undergone the most effective subscription spree of your online life. From here we add some finishing touches to personalize your feed. Feel free to follow your favorite brands. Some of mine include Lulus (no surprise there), as well as high end designers like Elie Saab, Rebecca Minkoff , Kate Spade, Alice and Olivia, and Marc Jacobs.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BemYun1FUh1/?taken-by=marcjacobs
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeYboAKBNQC/?taken-by=eliesaabworld
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeG2q8zH0HN/?taken-by=aliceandolivia
https://www.instagram.com/p/BebtJ9slRZu/?taken-by=rebeccaminkoff
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaMW0LQFFk2/?taken-by=katespadeny
This guide is not one-size-fits-all, so tailor it to your personal style and career aspirations! One of the best things you can do for yourself is research your dream career and everyone who currently has it. Then, find and follow, I promise its not as creepy as it sounds. The internet: Making stalking your idols acceptable since 1990. We live in a world where news spreads rapidly and knowledge is power, so having the right resources at hand can change everything!
