Impact of blogs

"Today, the group who sets the 'hip' is often likely to emerge from the streets, from youth cultures rather than from the elite at the top and the mainstream of the social strata... In other words, fashion can and does 'bubble up' the social hierarchy from the bottom up to the status of high fashion..." John Dawson and Jung-Hee Lee in 'International Retailing'

Anyone can start a fashion blog. A dedicated consumer of fashion. Someone who already works in the industry, a person aspiring to work in the industry or someone who has a passion for fashion and desires a wider audience.
Generally they focus on a certain trend i.e. Street fashion or accessories such as; shoes or bags. Blogs are now considered mainstream media, providing an instant up to date way to follow trends.
Fashion Blogs first appeared in 2002, and now there are estimated to be thousands of them and hundreds of people living off the profits of their blogs. In an article in the NY Financial times, it noted that being a fashion blogger is a respectable and profitable career for someone in the fashion industry and they can easily build a cult following around their particular area of expertise.


A lot of people have great success with their blogs and have received front row seats at international fashion shows, published books and had opportunities to work with famous fashion designers. Literally going from an unknown blogger at home to a celebrity fashion blogger, their opinions are valued. Some have been noted in Vogue and earned the respect of Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry and Alexander McQueen.
The Fashion Industry has adopted social media as a marketing platform to reach customers online. American Apparel and Topshop were the first labels to see the potential in embracing these forms of social media. Other designer labels first saw it as a threat and feared it would tarnish their brand image but have now embraced it. Designers such as Louis Vuitton and Oscar DeLa Renta even have face book pages.
Perth’s Own blogger, Songy Knox at stylediscovery.com.au has gained a cult following. Capturing the Perth Fashion scene with her camera and helping out new designers by promoting their work. Check out my Blog @ ppashion.blogspot.com

"Fashion is always the product of the culture and the society that spawns it, embodying the concerns of the wider society in its myriad styles..." John Dawson and Jung-Hee Lee in 'International Retailing'