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  • In recent years, the relationship between fashion, media, and consumption has undergone profound changes. A central driving force behind this transformation is the culture of social media influencers, who have evolved into powerful players within the fashion ecosystem. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube serve not only as showcases for clothing but also as spaces for performance, meaning-making, and trend generation. The former dominance of traditional fashion media has increasingly been supplanted by influencers who, through their reach, style influence, and relatability, have established a new form of digital authority. Particularly among younger audiences, influencers are perceived as credible figures, whose recommendations are considered more authentic than traditional advertising.

    Their influence is largely based on the specific logic of social media, where personal closeness, visual aesthetics, and constant availability are central success factors. While Instagram captivates with curated visual worlds ideal for brand staging, TikTok is gaining importance as a platform for creative, fast-paced fashion trends. According to the “Influencer Marketing Report” by Collabstr (2025), TikTok has become the preferred platform for fashion collaborations – a shift that is also reflected economically: the global market for fashion influencer marketing is projected to exceed $46 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of over 30%.

    Influencers act not only as trendsetters but also actively influence purchasing decisions. Studies show that they are central information sources for fashion-related questions, especially among those under 35. Through outfit inspirations, discount codes, or unboxing videos, they enhance brand visibility and drive purchasing decisions. Simultaneously, their activities accelerate the cyclical nature of fashion trends: styles emerge, spread globally in a short time, and disappear just as quickly. This hyper-cyclicality increases the innovation pressure on established fashion houses but also offers new labels and niche products opportunities for visibility.

    However, this development is not without controversy. Critics point out that the constant presentation of new products by influencers not only fuels consumption but also contributes to the spread of fast fashion. A legal analysis by the University of Maine (2024) indicates that social media, through its visual dominance, algorithmic amplification, and advertising collaborations, significantly contributes to the normalization of a fast-paced, resource-intensive fashion consumption. The seemingly authentic lifestyle portrayed by many influencers is often closely tied to product placements and commercial partnerships—without this always being clear to the audience. This lack of transparency poses not only ethical challenges but also threatens long-term trust in digital opinion leaders.

    At the same time, this trend stands in contrast to a growing societal awareness of sustainable and fair fashion. While some influencers deliberately focus on slow fashion or upcycling, fast fashion collaborations with large textile chains still dominate broadly. The challenge lies in countering the creative and communicative possibilities that influencers offer with responsible, reflective actions. The influence of these actors is undoubtedly ambivalent: on the one hand, they enable a democratization of style and fashion knowledge; on the other hand, they contribute to the reproduction of consumption norms that are difficult to reconcile with ecological sustainability. It is all the more important to critically reflect on these dynamics and to develop regulatory and educational strategies that promote transparency, diversity, and sustainability in the digital fashion context.

    Timeline of Genderfluid-Trends in Popmusic

    1972: David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust, androgynous glam rock
    1984: Prince – Purple Rain tour, ruffled blouses and high heels
    1994: Kurt Cobain – appearance in a dress on MTV
    2011: Janelle Monáe – androgynous uniform aesthetic
    2019: Billy Porter – tuxedo gown at the Oscars
    2020: Harry Styles – dress on the cover of Vogue
    2021: Lil Nas X – pregnancy photoshoot
    2023: Sam Smith – latex outfit at the BRIT Awards

    References

    Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.

    Dyer, R. (1993). The matter of images: Essays on representation. Routledge.

    Edited. (2022). The rise of gender-neutral fashion. https://www.edited.com/resources/reports/the-rise-of-gender-neutral-fashion/

    Entwistle, J. (2000). The fashioned body: Fashion, dress and modern social theory. Polity Press.

    Geczy, A., & Karaminas, V. (2013). Fashion and art. Bloomsbury.

    Gill, R. (2007). Gender and the media. Polity Press.

    Kaiser, S. B. (2012). Fashion and cultural studies. Berg.

    McKinsey & Company. (2023). The state of fashion 2023. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion

    Pew Research Center. (2022). Generation Z and gender identity. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/08/05/americans-complex-views-on-gender-identity/


    Virtual Influencers: The Fabric of Fakes

    By Sara Akkermann They look like real people, pose in trendy outfits, and collect millions of followers: Virtual influencers are changing the fashion world. But they are not real models – they are computer-generated characters, often created using AI and 3D design (Conti 2022). They are flawless, flexible…

  • In recent years, the relationship between fashion, media, and consumption has undergone profound changes. A central driving force behind this transformation is the culture of social media influencers, who have evolved into powerful players within the fashion ecosystem. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube serve not only as showcases for clothing but also as spaces for performance, meaning-making, and trend generation. The former dominance of traditional fashion media has increasingly been supplanted by influencers who, through their reach, style influence, and relatability, have established a new form of digital authority. Particularly among younger audiences, influencers are perceived as credible figures, whose recommendations are considered more authentic than traditional advertising.

    Their influence is largely based on the specific logic of social media, where personal closeness, visual aesthetics, and constant availability are central success factors. While Instagram captivates with curated visual worlds ideal for brand staging, TikTok is gaining importance as a platform for creative, fast-paced fashion trends. According to the “Influencer Marketing Report” by Collabstr (2025), TikTok has become the preferred platform for fashion collaborations – a shift that is also reflected economically: the global market for fashion influencer marketing is projected to exceed $46 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of over 30%.

    Influencers act not only as trendsetters but also actively influence purchasing decisions. Studies show that they are central information sources for fashion-related questions, especially among those under 35. Through outfit inspirations, discount codes, or unboxing videos, they enhance brand visibility and drive purchasing decisions. Simultaneously, their activities accelerate the cyclical nature of fashion trends: styles emerge, spread globally in a short time, and disappear just as quickly. This hyper-cyclicality increases the innovation pressure on established fashion houses but also offers new labels and niche products opportunities for visibility.

    However, this development is not without controversy. Critics point out that the constant presentation of new products by influencers not only fuels consumption but also contributes to the spread of fast fashion. A legal analysis by the University of Maine (2024) indicates that social media, through its visual dominance, algorithmic amplification, and advertising collaborations, significantly contributes to the normalization of a fast-paced, resource-intensive fashion consumption. The seemingly authentic lifestyle portrayed by many influencers is often closely tied to product placements and commercial partnerships—without this always being clear to the audience. This lack of transparency poses not only ethical challenges but also threatens long-term trust in digital opinion leaders.

    At the same time, this trend stands in contrast to a growing societal awareness of sustainable and fair fashion. While some influencers deliberately focus on slow fashion or upcycling, fast fashion collaborations with large textile chains still dominate broadly. The challenge lies in countering the creative and communicative possibilities that influencers offer with responsible, reflective actions. The influence of these actors is undoubtedly ambivalent: on the one hand, they enable a democratization of style and fashion knowledge; on the other hand, they contribute to the reproduction of consumption norms that are difficult to reconcile with ecological sustainability. It is all the more important to critically reflect on these dynamics and to develop regulatory and educational strategies that promote transparency, diversity, and sustainability in the digital fashion context.

    Timeline of Genderfluid-Trends in Popmusic

    1972: David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust, androgynous glam rock
    1984: Prince – Purple Rain tour, ruffled blouses and high heels
    1994: Kurt Cobain – appearance in a dress on MTV
    2011: Janelle Monáe – androgynous uniform aesthetic
    2019: Billy Porter – tuxedo gown at the Oscars
    2020: Harry Styles – dress on the cover of Vogue
    2021: Lil Nas X – pregnancy photoshoot
    2023: Sam Smith – latex outfit at the BRIT Awards

    References

    Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.

    Dyer, R. (1993). The matter of images: Essays on representation. Routledge.

    Edited. (2022). The rise of gender-neutral fashion. https://www.edited.com/resources/reports/the-rise-of-gender-neutral-fashion/

    Entwistle, J. (2000). The fashioned body: Fashion, dress and modern social theory. Polity Press.

    Geczy, A., & Karaminas, V. (2013). Fashion and art. Bloomsbury.

    Gill, R. (2007). Gender and the media. Polity Press.

    Kaiser, S. B. (2012). Fashion and cultural studies. Berg.

    McKinsey & Company. (2023). The state of fashion 2023. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion

    Pew Research Center. (2022). Generation Z and gender identity. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/08/05/americans-complex-views-on-gender-identity/


    The Pixel Future of Fashion

    By Sara Akkermann Have you ever heard of the metaverse? If not, you are one of around 30% of people who are still unfamiliar with the term (GWI 2022). The metaverse is a virtual 3D world where people interact in real time as digital avatars, for example, to…

  • In recent years, the relationship between fashion, media, and consumption has undergone profound changes. A central driving force behind this transformation is the culture of social media influencers, who have evolved into powerful players within the fashion ecosystem. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube serve not only as showcases for clothing but also as spaces for performance, meaning-making, and trend generation. The former dominance of traditional fashion media has increasingly been supplanted by influencers who, through their reach, style influence, and relatability, have established a new form of digital authority. Particularly among younger audiences, influencers are perceived as credible figures, whose recommendations are considered more authentic than traditional advertising.

    Their influence is largely based on the specific logic of social media, where personal closeness, visual aesthetics, and constant availability are central success factors. While Instagram captivates with curated visual worlds ideal for brand staging, TikTok is gaining importance as a platform for creative, fast-paced fashion trends. According to the “Influencer Marketing Report” by Collabstr (2025), TikTok has become the preferred platform for fashion collaborations – a shift that is also reflected economically: the global market for fashion influencer marketing is projected to exceed $46 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of over 30%.

    Influencers act not only as trendsetters but also actively influence purchasing decisions. Studies show that they are central information sources for fashion-related questions, especially among those under 35. Through outfit inspirations, discount codes, or unboxing videos, they enhance brand visibility and drive purchasing decisions. Simultaneously, their activities accelerate the cyclical nature of fashion trends: styles emerge, spread globally in a short time, and disappear just as quickly. This hyper-cyclicality increases the innovation pressure on established fashion houses but also offers new labels and niche products opportunities for visibility.

    However, this development is not without controversy. Critics point out that the constant presentation of new products by influencers not only fuels consumption but also contributes to the spread of fast fashion. A legal analysis by the University of Maine (2024) indicates that social media, through its visual dominance, algorithmic amplification, and advertising collaborations, significantly contributes to the normalization of a fast-paced, resource-intensive fashion consumption. The seemingly authentic lifestyle portrayed by many influencers is often closely tied to product placements and commercial partnerships—without this always being clear to the audience. This lack of transparency poses not only ethical challenges but also threatens long-term trust in digital opinion leaders.

    At the same time, this trend stands in contrast to a growing societal awareness of sustainable and fair fashion. While some influencers deliberately focus on slow fashion or upcycling, fast fashion collaborations with large textile chains still dominate broadly. The challenge lies in countering the creative and communicative possibilities that influencers offer with responsible, reflective actions. The influence of these actors is undoubtedly ambivalent: on the one hand, they enable a democratization of style and fashion knowledge; on the other hand, they contribute to the reproduction of consumption norms that are difficult to reconcile with ecological sustainability. It is all the more important to critically reflect on these dynamics and to develop regulatory and educational strategies that promote transparency, diversity, and sustainability in the digital fashion context.

    Timeline of Genderfluid-Trends in Popmusic

    1972: David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust, androgynous glam rock
    1984: Prince – Purple Rain tour, ruffled blouses and high heels
    1994: Kurt Cobain – appearance in a dress on MTV
    2011: Janelle Monáe – androgynous uniform aesthetic
    2019: Billy Porter – tuxedo gown at the Oscars
    2020: Harry Styles – dress on the cover of Vogue
    2021: Lil Nas X – pregnancy photoshoot
    2023: Sam Smith – latex outfit at the BRIT Awards

    References

    Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.

    Dyer, R. (1993). The matter of images: Essays on representation. Routledge.

    Edited. (2022). The rise of gender-neutral fashion. https://www.edited.com/resources/reports/the-rise-of-gender-neutral-fashion/

    Entwistle, J. (2000). The fashioned body: Fashion, dress and modern social theory. Polity Press.

    Geczy, A., & Karaminas, V. (2013). Fashion and art. Bloomsbury.

    Gill, R. (2007). Gender and the media. Polity Press.

    Kaiser, S. B. (2012). Fashion and cultural studies. Berg.

    McKinsey & Company. (2023). The state of fashion 2023. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion

    Pew Research Center. (2022). Generation Z and gender identity. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/08/05/americans-complex-views-on-gender-identity/


    Creative AI: Who needs designers anyway?

    By Sara Akkermann How creative can AI be?If you ever used a generative AI like ChatGPT, you know the idea: a short input is enough and impressive texts and images are created within seconds. What might seem like a fun game for some is fundamentally changing the working…

  • In recent years, the relationship between fashion, media, and consumption has undergone profound changes. A central driving force behind this transformation is the culture of social media influencers, who have evolved into powerful players within the fashion ecosystem. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube serve not only as showcases for clothing but also as spaces for performance, meaning-making, and trend generation. The former dominance of traditional fashion media has increasingly been supplanted by influencers who, through their reach, style influence, and relatability, have established a new form of digital authority. Particularly among younger audiences, influencers are perceived as credible figures, whose recommendations are considered more authentic than traditional advertising.

    Their influence is largely based on the specific logic of social media, where personal closeness, visual aesthetics, and constant availability are central success factors. While Instagram captivates with curated visual worlds ideal for brand staging, TikTok is gaining importance as a platform for creative, fast-paced fashion trends. According to the “Influencer Marketing Report” by Collabstr (2025), TikTok has become the preferred platform for fashion collaborations – a shift that is also reflected economically: the global market for fashion influencer marketing is projected to exceed $46 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of over 30%.

    Influencers act not only as trendsetters but also actively influence purchasing decisions. Studies show that they are central information sources for fashion-related questions, especially among those under 35. Through outfit inspirations, discount codes, or unboxing videos, they enhance brand visibility and drive purchasing decisions. Simultaneously, their activities accelerate the cyclical nature of fashion trends: styles emerge, spread globally in a short time, and disappear just as quickly. This hyper-cyclicality increases the innovation pressure on established fashion houses but also offers new labels and niche products opportunities for visibility.

    However, this development is not without controversy. Critics point out that the constant presentation of new products by influencers not only fuels consumption but also contributes to the spread of fast fashion. A legal analysis by the University of Maine (2024) indicates that social media, through its visual dominance, algorithmic amplification, and advertising collaborations, significantly contributes to the normalization of a fast-paced, resource-intensive fashion consumption. The seemingly authentic lifestyle portrayed by many influencers is often closely tied to product placements and commercial partnerships—without this always being clear to the audience. This lack of transparency poses not only ethical challenges but also threatens long-term trust in digital opinion leaders.

    At the same time, this trend stands in contrast to a growing societal awareness of sustainable and fair fashion. While some influencers deliberately focus on slow fashion or upcycling, fast fashion collaborations with large textile chains still dominate broadly. The challenge lies in countering the creative and communicative possibilities that influencers offer with responsible, reflective actions. The influence of these actors is undoubtedly ambivalent: on the one hand, they enable a democratization of style and fashion knowledge; on the other hand, they contribute to the reproduction of consumption norms that are difficult to reconcile with ecological sustainability. It is all the more important to critically reflect on these dynamics and to develop regulatory and educational strategies that promote transparency, diversity, and sustainability in the digital fashion context.

    Timeline of Genderfluid-Trends in Popmusic

    1972: David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust, androgynous glam rock
    1984: Prince – Purple Rain tour, ruffled blouses and high heels
    1994: Kurt Cobain – appearance in a dress on MTV
    2011: Janelle Monáe – androgynous uniform aesthetic
    2019: Billy Porter – tuxedo gown at the Oscars
    2020: Harry Styles – dress on the cover of Vogue
    2021: Lil Nas X – pregnancy photoshoot
    2023: Sam Smith – latex outfit at the BRIT Awards

    References

    Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.

    Dyer, R. (1993). The matter of images: Essays on representation. Routledge.

    Edited. (2022). The rise of gender-neutral fashion. https://www.edited.com/resources/reports/the-rise-of-gender-neutral-fashion/

    Entwistle, J. (2000). The fashioned body: Fashion, dress and modern social theory. Polity Press.

    Geczy, A., & Karaminas, V. (2013). Fashion and art. Bloomsbury.

    Gill, R. (2007). Gender and the media. Polity Press.

    Kaiser, S. B. (2012). Fashion and cultural studies. Berg.

    McKinsey & Company. (2023). The state of fashion 2023. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion

    Pew Research Center. (2022). Generation Z and gender identity. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/08/05/americans-complex-views-on-gender-identity/


    The Evolution of Gender Fluidity in Fashion: From Pop Culture to Industry Transformation

    Erkunden Sie inspirierende Geschichten und Experteneinblicke. Dieser Abschnitt hebt den Zweck des Blogs hervor, indem er fesselnde Geschichten, Expertenmeinungen und wertvolle Erkenntnisse bietet, damit Leser lernen und wachsen können. Blog Kategorien Vorgestellt Instagram

  • In recent years, the relationship between fashion, media, and consumption has undergone profound changes. A central driving force behind this transformation is the culture of social media influencers, who have evolved into powerful players within the fashion ecosystem. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube serve not only as showcases for clothing but also as spaces for performance, meaning-making, and trend generation. The former dominance of traditional fashion media has increasingly been supplanted by influencers who, through their reach, style influence, and relatability, have established a new form of digital authority. Particularly among younger audiences, influencers are perceived as credible figures, whose recommendations are considered more authentic than traditional advertising.

    Their influence is largely based on the specific logic of social media, where personal closeness, visual aesthetics, and constant availability are central success factors. While Instagram captivates with curated visual worlds ideal for brand staging, TikTok is gaining importance as a platform for creative, fast-paced fashion trends. According to the “Influencer Marketing Report” by Collabstr (2025), TikTok has become the preferred platform for fashion collaborations – a shift that is also reflected economically: the global market for fashion influencer marketing is projected to exceed $46 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of over 30%.

    Influencers act not only as trendsetters but also actively influence purchasing decisions. Studies show that they are central information sources for fashion-related questions, especially among those under 35. Through outfit inspirations, discount codes, or unboxing videos, they enhance brand visibility and drive purchasing decisions. Simultaneously, their activities accelerate the cyclical nature of fashion trends: styles emerge, spread globally in a short time, and disappear just as quickly. This hyper-cyclicality increases the innovation pressure on established fashion houses but also offers new labels and niche products opportunities for visibility.

    However, this development is not without controversy. Critics point out that the constant presentation of new products by influencers not only fuels consumption but also contributes to the spread of fast fashion. A legal analysis by the University of Maine (2024) indicates that social media, through its visual dominance, algorithmic amplification, and advertising collaborations, significantly contributes to the normalization of a fast-paced, resource-intensive fashion consumption. The seemingly authentic lifestyle portrayed by many influencers is often closely tied to product placements and commercial partnerships—without this always being clear to the audience. This lack of transparency poses not only ethical challenges but also threatens long-term trust in digital opinion leaders.

    At the same time, this trend stands in contrast to a growing societal awareness of sustainable and fair fashion. While some influencers deliberately focus on slow fashion or upcycling, fast fashion collaborations with large textile chains still dominate broadly. The challenge lies in countering the creative and communicative possibilities that influencers offer with responsible, reflective actions. The influence of these actors is undoubtedly ambivalent: on the one hand, they enable a democratization of style and fashion knowledge; on the other hand, they contribute to the reproduction of consumption norms that are difficult to reconcile with ecological sustainability. It is all the more important to critically reflect on these dynamics and to develop regulatory and educational strategies that promote transparency, diversity, and sustainability in the digital fashion context.

    Timeline of Genderfluid-Trends in Popmusic

    1972: David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust, androgynous glam rock
    1984: Prince – Purple Rain tour, ruffled blouses and high heels
    1994: Kurt Cobain – appearance in a dress on MTV
    2011: Janelle Monáe – androgynous uniform aesthetic
    2019: Billy Porter – tuxedo gown at the Oscars
    2020: Harry Styles – dress on the cover of Vogue
    2021: Lil Nas X – pregnancy photoshoot
    2023: Sam Smith – latex outfit at the BRIT Awards

    References

    Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.

    Dyer, R. (1993). The matter of images: Essays on representation. Routledge.

    Edited. (2022). The rise of gender-neutral fashion. https://www.edited.com/resources/reports/the-rise-of-gender-neutral-fashion/

    Entwistle, J. (2000). The fashioned body: Fashion, dress and modern social theory. Polity Press.

    Geczy, A., & Karaminas, V. (2013). Fashion and art. Bloomsbury.

    Gill, R. (2007). Gender and the media. Polity Press.

    Kaiser, S. B. (2012). Fashion and cultural studies. Berg.

    McKinsey & Company. (2023). The state of fashion 2023. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion

    Pew Research Center. (2022). Generation Z and gender identity. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/08/05/americans-complex-views-on-gender-identity/


    The Y2K Revival: A Cultural and Fashion-Theoretical Exploration

    Erkunden Sie inspirierende Geschichten und Experteneinblicke. Dieser Abschnitt hebt den Zweck des Blogs hervor, indem er fesselnde Geschichten, Expertenmeinungen und wertvolle Erkenntnisse bietet, damit Leser lernen und wachsen können. Blog Kategorien Vorgestellt Instagram

  • In recent years, the relationship between fashion, media, and consumption has undergone profound changes. A central driving force behind this transformation is the culture of social media influencers, who have evolved into powerful players within the fashion ecosystem. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube serve not only as showcases for clothing but also as spaces for performance, meaning-making, and trend generation. The former dominance of traditional fashion media has increasingly been supplanted by influencers who, through their reach, style influence, and relatability, have established a new form of digital authority. Particularly among younger audiences, influencers are perceived as credible figures, whose recommendations are considered more authentic than traditional advertising.

    Their influence is largely based on the specific logic of social media, where personal closeness, visual aesthetics, and constant availability are central success factors. While Instagram captivates with curated visual worlds ideal for brand staging, TikTok is gaining importance as a platform for creative, fast-paced fashion trends. According to the “Influencer Marketing Report” by Collabstr (2025), TikTok has become the preferred platform for fashion collaborations – a shift that is also reflected economically: the global market for fashion influencer marketing is projected to exceed $46 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of over 30%.

    Influencers act not only as trendsetters but also actively influence purchasing decisions. Studies show that they are central information sources for fashion-related questions, especially among those under 35. Through outfit inspirations, discount codes, or unboxing videos, they enhance brand visibility and drive purchasing decisions. Simultaneously, their activities accelerate the cyclical nature of fashion trends: styles emerge, spread globally in a short time, and disappear just as quickly. This hyper-cyclicality increases the innovation pressure on established fashion houses but also offers new labels and niche products opportunities for visibility.

    However, this development is not without controversy. Critics point out that the constant presentation of new products by influencers not only fuels consumption but also contributes to the spread of fast fashion. A legal analysis by the University of Maine (2024) indicates that social media, through its visual dominance, algorithmic amplification, and advertising collaborations, significantly contributes to the normalization of a fast-paced, resource-intensive fashion consumption. The seemingly authentic lifestyle portrayed by many influencers is often closely tied to product placements and commercial partnerships—without this always being clear to the audience. This lack of transparency poses not only ethical challenges but also threatens long-term trust in digital opinion leaders.

    At the same time, this trend stands in contrast to a growing societal awareness of sustainable and fair fashion. While some influencers deliberately focus on slow fashion or upcycling, fast fashion collaborations with large textile chains still dominate broadly. The challenge lies in countering the creative and communicative possibilities that influencers offer with responsible, reflective actions. The influence of these actors is undoubtedly ambivalent: on the one hand, they enable a democratization of style and fashion knowledge; on the other hand, they contribute to the reproduction of consumption norms that are difficult to reconcile with ecological sustainability. It is all the more important to critically reflect on these dynamics and to develop regulatory and educational strategies that promote transparency, diversity, and sustainability in the digital fashion context.

    Timeline of Genderfluid-Trends in Popmusic

    1972: David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust, androgynous glam rock
    1984: Prince – Purple Rain tour, ruffled blouses and high heels
    1994: Kurt Cobain – appearance in a dress on MTV
    2011: Janelle Monáe – androgynous uniform aesthetic
    2019: Billy Porter – tuxedo gown at the Oscars
    2020: Harry Styles – dress on the cover of Vogue
    2021: Lil Nas X – pregnancy photoshoot
    2023: Sam Smith – latex outfit at the BRIT Awards

    References

    Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.

    Dyer, R. (1993). The matter of images: Essays on representation. Routledge.

    Edited. (2022). The rise of gender-neutral fashion. https://www.edited.com/resources/reports/the-rise-of-gender-neutral-fashion/

    Entwistle, J. (2000). The fashioned body: Fashion, dress and modern social theory. Polity Press.

    Geczy, A., & Karaminas, V. (2013). Fashion and art. Bloomsbury.

    Gill, R. (2007). Gender and the media. Polity Press.

    Kaiser, S. B. (2012). Fashion and cultural studies. Berg.

    McKinsey & Company. (2023). The state of fashion 2023. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion

    Pew Research Center. (2022). Generation Z and gender identity. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/08/05/americans-complex-views-on-gender-identity/


    Influencer Culture and Fashion: The Transformative Power of Social Media in the Fashion Ecosystem

    In recent years, the relationship between fashion, media, and consumption has undergone a profound transformation. A central driving force behind this change is the culture of social media influencers, who have evolved into powerful actors within the fashion ecosystem. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube serve not…


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