Trends develop and change over time, but their origins are often lost. Who is responsible for setting trends? Let's explore how trends stand out and who influences them most.
Trendsetters create innovative ideas and popularize new styles and fashion. Many set the tone for consumerism in the upcoming year by encouraging others to participate in trends surrounding specific ways of dressing, conceptual thinking and speech, like slang.
Those ideas influence trend followers, who often share these thoughts and behaviors with others. They are an essential part of the spread of information and what ultimately makes a unique idea "go viral."
Today, several well-recognized trendsetters include Emma Chamberlain, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Kim Kardashian. All of those people have one thing in common: they all started a trend or trends that went viral. The trends also stayed linked to their brands for many years. An example of this is Kardashian and contouring. Even though she did not invent the makeup technique, she popularized it and forever changed the makeup industry.
Kardashian is also responsible for popularizing a woman's body type, which is typically only seen in women of color. Kim's larger chest, hips, and backside as a white woman during the 2010s were quickly sought after, though those characteristics were historically frowned upon for Black and Brown women. Kardashian initially promoted an inclusive body positivity movement but later faced criticism when she started endorsing fad diets, diet pills and diet shakes on social media.
While she denies undergoing plastic surgery, Kardashian's body has drastically changed in recent years, along with the public response to body inclusivity. Women who once hoped to achieve a slender waist and curves are now adopting a more toned, athletic build while embracing the natural size of their butt and chest, as seen in the '90s.
Hilton is another example of someone who set a mainstream fashion trend. The hotel heiress played a major role in sportswear in the early '00s, and tracksuits became a signature style of the decade. Spears also falls into this category for popularizing visible thongs during the early '00s. Many models wore them during this time, but Spears became a major contributor to the trend by incorporating them into her stage outfits.
Chamberlain is a younger example of a trendsetter who influences followers through YouTube and social media. With relatable and comedic entertainment, Chamberlain became one of the most recognizable faces on social media for her sense of style and trendy outfits styled from thrift store items.
One of Chamberlain's most implemented trends was the light brown teddy bear coat. She was first seen wearing the coat on Instagram, and not long after, her fans developed an interest in the jacket. After growing successful, she became an ambassador for Louis Vuitton and attended Paris Fashion Week.
Social media influencer Alix Earle is an example of a "trend alerter." In February 2020, she posted her first TikTok, preparing to go to a college party with her friends. Seemingly overnight, her "Get Ready with Me" videos went viral. Amassing 6.5 million followers on the app, she makes authentic content and connects to her audience, which has helped increase her popularity and made her the face of the GRWM trend on the platform. The level of transparency with her audience makes them feel more like friends than followers. Earle has switched up some of her videos over the last year, but the content remains unchanged.
Earle is an example of a lifestyle creator whose popularity came about because of her unique approach to college vlogging. Her videos remind many of a Facetime call, making fans view her more as a relatable best friend or older sister that they look up to rather than a person putting on a facade for money.
Trends that stand out on social media platforms are based on factors like user interaction, video information and device and account settings. Shared videos directly impact user interaction, account followers and overall user engagement with the content. Video information includes details like captions, audio and hashtags. Language preference, country setting, and device type can also influence the trends a user will see. The social media algorithm is intended to stay relevant to its users, so it will regularly update to cater to the latest trends and most timely information for users.
Trend followers are people who continue to adopt the ideas and influences of trendsetters. To become a trendsetter, one does not have to be a millionaire or a celebrity. They are those who love to think, create and redefine ideas. They can capture an audience and create a buzz.
There is no one type of trendsetter or "one size fits all" method to fame. According to Audaces, some tips for standing out online include identifying gaps in the market, addressing needs, making your idea accessible and building a community.
Trends also move quickly, as the world is always changing. It may not always be the case of coming up with the first idea, but how one can make a statement or make the idea real to others. Staying attentive to trends and current events can also play a role in becoming a trendsetter.
Becoming a trendsetter also means having marketable qualities like being personable, relatable, responsive and consistent. Chamberlain and Hilton are trendsetters who have used these qualities and succeeded.
Trendsetters continuously influence and change lives. By possessing the right qualities, curating a strong platform, and sometimes, having good luck, you, too, can be the next trendsetter.
