Jamie Ridge on the Future of Influencers

last updated 15 February 2018

This feature is dedicated to our #NoChangeNoFuture initiative. From the Women’s March, to Australia voting yes to same sex marriage, and the #MeToo movement, 2017 taught us to look beyond ourselves and come together as a collective of powerful women who are writing our own history. Join us as we cancel setting one-dimensional personal resolutions this January and commit to being the change we want to see. Because without change, there is no future.

Recently, a lot has changed where fashion is concerned. What once was an industry focused on an “insiders-only” mentality, has drastically shifted into something broader and more inclusive. Part of the reason for this change has coincided with the rise of technology and social media. Where fashion was once reserved for those in the industry and avid fans who subscribed to glossy magazines, fashion is now available to everyone on social media. Since fashion is so visual, Instagram in particular has shifted the way in which brands interact with their audiences. Among these changes? The influencer.

Though the concept of the influencer is still so new, it’s clear that it has already shifted the fashion industry in ways we could never have expected. Look at fashion week, for example. What was once a series of shows for those who work in fashion has evolved into a week chalk-full of some of the most-documented events of the year. Once only experienced by industry insiders, fashion week presentations are now broadcast nearly by the minute via social media.

Since the concept of influencers in fashion is still so new, it can be difficult to understand how the industry will continue to grow and interact with it. To get some insight, we figured there was no better person to speak to about it than an actual influencer. So we sat down with Jamie Ridge, a fashion blogger from New Zealand and a member of our INF / Network. To hear what she had to say about the industry as a whole, and influencers’ roles in it, keep reading.

Pictured: Jaime wears Gucci

What would you love to see change in the fashion industry?

There are a number of things I would love to see change in the fashion industry. The scope of this conversation in my opinion is immensely wide, and includes the use of fur in Fashion, ethnic diversity, treatment of those in the industry, the list goes on. What I can say is recent events have spurred conversation and hopefully change for the better, it’s now our role as part of the wider fashion community to assist these changes and strive for improvements in the industry.

Pictured: Gucci bag

What is your view on diversity in the fashion industry?

My personal view is that there can never be enough diversity in the industry, on every possible level. Awareness is one element, but it takes action to make a change, change that some are embracing.

Pictured: Jaime wears Gucci

How do you think fashion influencers are changing the industry?

I believe fashion influencers are opening the industry up to those that perhaps couldn’t access or relate before, when print media was the main and often only outlet. We are another avenue of access and in some ways a personal connection to fashion and brands. Each of us has our own unique voice and interpretation, which I think is incredible. It’s such an exciting time for the industry.

Pictured: Jaime wears Gucci

What does the future of the fashion influencer look like?

Oh, how I wish I could tell you! The digital landscape is so fluid and ever-evolving, it is difficult to predict where we all fit in and how our roles within the industry will change. My focus is to just do what I do and invite those to join me on my journey.

Pictured: Jaime wears Gucci

What trends are you excited to wear in 2018?

The deconstructed trench coat look is a look I loved rocking at NYFW and look forward to continue to experimenting with during the colder months down under.