When the term ‘influencer’ is used, the first few things that pop into your mind could include ‘social media empires’ or ‘tech-savy business moguls’ – and you wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. But influencers are finding a slew of different methods to crash through barriers and disrupt categories – with the latest seeing many jump across into the fashion designer industry.
Below, we take a look at some of the success stories from influencers turned fashion designers…
Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman: The co-creator and bikini connoisseur behind swimwear collection Monday Swimwear, Natasha Oakley uses her huge following of almost 2 million followers to help gain massive amounts of momentum for the brand. Monday Swimwear focuses on iconic feminine designs, perfect fits, soft-to-touch fabrics, and great quality pieces.
Zoe Foster Blake: There’s no argument – Zoe Foster Blake is unapologetically quirky, entertaining and oozes a fun yet chic essence. And that’s exactly what her line for fashion brand Skin & Threads does too. Featuring pieces that reflect her personality – the collection includes everything from iced vovo jumpers to shirts with orange segments.
Alexis Ren: Renowned for having a ridiculously fit body – Alexis Ren has been inspired by her healthy lifestyle to create a range of activewear called REN Active. A collection of sports bras, bottoms, tops, bodysuits and jackets for the gym and beyond, Alexis comments on the brand: “I’m from LA and we don’t usually get out of our workout clothes if we’re in them. I wanted something that I could go into a meeting and still look put together and still look on-trend.”
Shani Grimmond: If you follow YouTube star and makeup genius Shani Grimmond, you know how much she loves White Fox Boutique… which explains her excitement when she announced she was collaborating with the brand to create a swimwear range. As an icon in the makeup digital space, she has traversed into the fashion world to create a versatile swimwear range for women of all shapes and sizes.
Rebecca Judd: As a television and radio presenter, former model, blogger and now fashion designer – Rebecca Judd seems to have all bases covered. The co-owner of JAGGAD, an athletic range where athletic performance meets fashion, Rebecca has created a range of functional high quality garments for women, men and juniors alongside husband Chris Judd and friend Steven Greene.
Chiara Ferragni: Founded by style icon Chiara Ferragni, her shoe brand (of the same name) combines pop-culture, music, and travel into stylish yet playful designs (we’re sold!) These shoes are sold today in over 300 stores worldwide as well as online.
Danielle Bernstein: The creator of fashion-bible blog We Wore What, Danielle Bernstein has successfully made the transition from blogger to designer thanks to her two brands Second Skin Overalls and Archive Shoes. Second Skin Overalls has hit the ground running, making $US70,000 in three hours and going on to have 100 per cent sell-through in each of the four collection drops.
Kate Waterhouse: As a thriving fashion influencer and mother of two, who better to create the ultimate clothing line for children than Kate Waterhouse. As creative director at Sapling Child, Kate has helped design a range of organic, ethical and quality products for the little ones.
Rumi Neely: Rumi Neely’s elegantly seductive style spills into her work as creative director and owner of ARE YOU AM I. From dresses to accessories, swimwear and lingerie, Rumi has crafted a collection where every piece is a statement piece. Her clothing dares women to be confident and feel good.
Lucette Romy: Lucette is an artist, a photographer and now a fashion designer for her own brand, The Wylde. She embodies a free spirited, earth loving nature with the crazy inspirational mind of a business mogul, and her clothing line ecnomapsses all of those things. True to her personality and passions, she has crafted an eco-friendly, sustainable clothing line all beautifully constructed from natural and raw materials, as she says “just as the earth intended”.
Main image: @renactive | Words: Maddi Kinchington
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