The Influence of Fashion Journalists
COURTESY OF GLAM OBSERVER
Writers and journalists are immensely influential in our society. They feed us news and shape our beliefs. Their goal is to be objective, yet it always seems to turn out subjective. They expose truths, they tell the untold, and most of all, they give us knowledge. Fashion journalists are what keep the industry moving. They dictate trends, put the spotlight on new designers and creatives, and reveal inspirations. Without fashion journalists to share the latest news and newest collections, fashion wouldn’t have the impact on the world that it has now.
Fashion is a powerful force in the world. It can bring people together and unite communities and cultures. It can give a voice to those without one, and it can change people’s lives. The stories of the fashion industry deserve to be told–whether they’re about runway shows at fashion week or a behind-the-scenes videographer. There is so much inspiration in the world around us, and fashion journalists help share that inspiration with everyone.
COURTESY OF FASHIONISTA
The media often gets a bad wrap, but to many people, including me, fashion media is an escape into another world. Stories and reporting about glamorous events, glittering jewels, and beautiful designs draw in so many who seek inspiration and beauty. Even though the fashion industry has a dark side of environmental and social exploitation, there are still so many bright spots about brands giving back or designers and models aiding refugees, and so many more. Journalists expose us to the dark and the bright sides of fashion which motivates people to act and make a difference in such a creative and intimidating industry.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and for many in the fashion industry, starting can be immensely difficult. Reading magazines and online articles by fashion journalists is mandatory to stay up to date and current with the industry, and that’s how so many people get their start. Personally, I have learned almost everything I know about fashion, outside of a few mentors, from reading the work of fashion journalists. The job of a fashion journalist impacts so many more people than you would think.
COURTESY OF THE WARDROBE CRISIS
Clare Press holds many titles including author, filmmaker, and journalist. She has been revolutionary in the fashion industry regarding sustainability. She started her career at Rolling Stone then moved to fashion magazines and eventually became the first ever Vogue Sustainability Editor for Vogue Australia. Her writing has inspired and motivated people all over the world to become supporters of sustainable fashion. She has helped educate people on what being sustainable really means in fashion, and has created her own platform that sparks change. Clare Press is a phenomenal example of how a single journalist can create a better world and a better fashion industry.
COURTESY OF BUSINESS OF FASHION
Being the editor-in-chief at any fashion magazine means that you have a tremendous amount of influence in the industry. Glenda Bailey was the editor-in-chief for Harper’s Bazaar from 2001 to 2020, and she had an impressive stint. Bailey transformed the magazine into one of the top publications in the world with her sophisticated, eloquent editorial style. In her editor’s letter for the October 2018 issue, she explained how they didn’t use any retouching of images to celebrate women’s unique and genuine beauty. She wrote, "In a time when transparency and authenticity are valued more than ever, it seems fitting to thoughtfully consider our approach to retouching—and to celebrate the spirit of women in their most natural state." This, again, shows how powerful the work of a journalist can be on society.
Of course there are so many other talented and influential fashion journalists out there, too many to name here all at once. But I encourage anyone with any kind of appreciation for the fashion industry to go and discover these journalists and read their thoughts, ideas, research, and stories. Journalists really are the force that keeps the fashion industry moving.