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The rise of influencer fashion

By Wareesha Farooqui
Fri, 08, 24

In today’s digital era, bloggers and social media stars have a significant impact....

The rise of influencer fashion

LIFESTYLE

In today’s digital era, bloggers and social media stars have a significant impact. As their follower counts soar and admiration for their personal style grows, these online personalities wield considerable power in shaping consumer trends. With many followers and fans loving their personal styles, these online influencers have the power to set trends. They have loyal followers who trust their opinions and the ability to turn an obscure brand super popular with just one review. Simply by talking about a brand, they can make it famous.

These influencers are now considering the next logical step: creating brands of their own. The trend of influencers launching their own brands is gaining momentum, with many finding success in the fashion market. However, not every influencer brand thrives. Some struggle to stay popular and end up closing. Luck and how well the brand is presented are key to success in this ever-changing market.

Sometimes, fans love an influencer’s fashion line, but other times, they mock it. This raises the question: do people buy these products because they’re genuinely good, or simply because they like the influencer, regardless of the quality?

Justification for high prices

Influencer brands often come with high price tags, prompting questions about their justification. Influencers often set high prices to make their brands seem fancy and special. However, when comparing the actual price to the quality of the product, people find the cost hard to justify. They feel if they can get the same product from an established brand at the same price or even less, they dont need to choose a newly launched brand by an influencer.

The materials and craftsmanship of the clothes might not match the high prices, making people wonder if they’re paying more for the influencer’s name rather than for really good quality. This raises the question of whether the high prices are fair for what they’re getting or if they’re just high because of the influencer’s popularity.

As a newly launched brand, adopting accessible pricing can attract a broader audience and encourage initial engagement. An accessible pricing strategy can be a smart move for newly launched influencer brands.

Influence of blogger support

When other influencers and bloggers support these fashion lines, it can significantly impact the brand’s success. Their shoutouts and collaborations on social media can enhance the brand’s popularity and appeal, especially to audiences who might not be familiar with it otherwise.

Do people genuinely like these fashion lines, or are they only popular because other influencers support them? For instance, a pricey dress costing around Rs7000 to 8000 for a two-piece from an influencer’s brand might be too expensive for many regular shoppers. However, when other influencers endorse it or people within the influencer community buy it, the brand gains more attention and seems more valuable. This can create a sense of exclusivity that might not align with how much regular people like the brand or can afford it.

Reality of prints and designs

Many influencer fashion lines have trendy designs, but if you look closely, you might find that the prints they use aren’t really unique. You can often find similar prints in local markets for much less money.

The rise of influencer fashion

Even though influencers claim their collections are special or inspired by designers, the truth is that many of these prints are produced in large quantities and are easy to find. Local sellers and small shops often offer similar styles and patterns, providing more affordable options for those who like the influencer’s style but don’t want to spend a lot.

This makes us think whether it’s worth paying more for influencer brands. Are we getting something truly original and exclusive, or just buying the influencer’s name?

Brands like AK by Amna Khan and For You by Warisha offer fashion lines that often feature prints and designs that aren’t particularly unique or innovative.

The struggle of influencer brands

Many influencers have tried starting their own fashion lines, but not all of them have succeeded. Despite their fame and strong personal brands, some influencers have had to close their fashion businesses because people didn’t want to buy their clothes. Some shoppers might not trust influencer brands, especially if they think the clothes are too expensive or of low quality.

Initially, many people might be excited about an influencer’s brand due to the influencer’s fame. However, maintaining interest over the long term is challenging if the clothes do not meet customer expectations in terms of quality, style, or price. This lack of satisfaction can lead to declining sales and, eventually, the closure of some brands.

We can see examples like Areeba Habib Clothing by Areeba Habib, which faced challenges in maintaining its operations and eventually ceased. Similarly, UXM by Urwa Hocane and Mawra Hocane is no longer operating. Although these brands gained considerable attention, their struggles highlight the difficulties even high-profile influencers can encounter in sustaining a fashion brand in a competitive market.

Too many brands

The fashion world is incredibly competitive, with a multitude of influencer brands emerging. If a brand doesn’t offer something unique or consistently innovate, maintaining consumer interest becomes challenging. With so many options available, it is difficult for brands, especially new ones, to stand out and keep people engaged.

To differentiate themselves, brands must provide something distinctive, such as creative designs, exceptional quality, eco-friendly practices, or a compelling brand narrative that resonates with customers. Some brands attempt to encompass multiple elements simultaneously, which can dilute their identity and create confusion among consumers. It is crucial for brands to remain focused and clearly communicate their message and product offerings.

Influencers often have a close relationship with their followers, which can translate into strong consumer loyalty. Fans may feel a personal connection to the influencer and view purchasing their products as a way to support them directly. This bond places a responsibility on influencers to maintain the trust and admiration they have earned. Rather than merely rebranding readily available products, influencers should strive to create unique and high-quality offerings that reflect the values and interests of their audience. If followers value and cherish their views, it is the influencers’ duty to create authentic items and uphold the same high regard.