Instagram is changing the fashion world in ways large and small.
One noticeable effect: superstar creative directors are curating an Instagram feed to show off their tastes. The key, experts say, is authenticity. With an ample dose of celebrity, of course. Look no further than Donatella Versace, who created her account last December and already amassed more than half a million followers with alluring photos of fashion shows and beach vacations.
“She just went all in on it,” said Thomas Rankin, CEO of Instagram measurement provider Dash Hudson. “She’s being very Donatella and very real. The more real and upfront they are, the more deeply people engage. I think that has a really positive impact on the brand as well.”
Check out some of the stars themselves, below.
Olivier Rousteing
With 2.9 million followers, Olivier Rousteing has one of the largest Instagram followings among fashion designers. The Balmain creative director is seen with A-listers like Rose Huntington-Whitely, Gigi Haddid and Kendall Jenner.” It’s a very organic self-reinforcing world he’s created, which is good for the brand,” said Rankin.
Alber Elbaz
When Alber Elbaz departed Lanvin last October, he took to Instagram to express his gratitude after his final show. Though Elbaz was unceremoniously ousted from the fashion house, he has continued to Instagram regularly. Now he’s using Instagram to document his hiatus from the fashion world: hitting the trails, traveling the world giving speeches and regaling his fashion acumen to the masses. There’s even the occasional “Throwback Thursday” photo.
Riccardo Tisci
Givenchy’s creative director Riccardo Tisci has 1.3 million Instagram followers who glimpse his glamorous life and posse of famous friends. There are selfies with Melissa McCarthy and schmoozing with Nicki Minaj. Last week he shared First Lady Michelle Obama wearing a Givenchy Couture ensemble to the White House Correspondents Dinner.
OOOO LOOK WHO I FOUND 😂 ❤️ @melissamccarthy @time #time100 #aboutlastnight
A photo posted by riccardotisci17 (@riccardotisci17) on
Kris Van Assche
Kris Van Assche, artistic director of Dior Homme, translates his refined aesthetic to his Instagram feed, which features photos from runway shows, moments from inside his chic Paris home and a smattering of images of his cat, Diego. Hey, creative directors are just like the rest of us.
A photo posted by @kris_van_assche on
Zac Posen
Stay away from Zac Posen’s Instagram if you’re hungry. Posen’s account is packed with mouthwatering meals made by the designer himself (or with the help of friends like Uma Thurman) using the platform to highlight his passion projects in addition to his clothing. Posen, who is publishing a cookbook, is an example of a designer “bringing you deeper into their world,” according to Rankin.
Sunday Cooking with #Uma ⭐️💙 #cookingwithzac
A photo posted by @zacposen on
Marc Jacobs
The whimsical personal account of Marc Jacobs is where the designer shares photos of his trips or various functions, as well as posts of outings with friends and boyfriend, Charly Defrancesco. It’s a down-to-earth glimpse of the man behind the brand.
Me, my man, our MANicures @jinsoonchoi @chardefrancesco #itssuchaperfectday
A photo posted by Marc Jacobs (@themarcjacobs) on
