Independent fashion bloggers vs the professional writer

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eva Franco on April 28, 2010 at 5:22pm

I think everybody has a right to their opinions.
However, opinions are just that, so as long as bloggers let the readers know that they are speaking opinions, I think it is fine. Obviously, someone writing for a professional magazine or even just a proffesional writer,should be writing on fact versus opinion....I think it really just depends on what you want the reader is looking for at that particular moment.
Some people love fashion for fun and others are in it for their careers\lifestyle. I think that makes the biggest difference!

Permalink Reply by Melody Lesser on July 30, 2010 at 8:03am

Hi Kimberley,

Many independent fashion bloggers are also professional writers who've written for or edited major consumer and trade fashion publications. Having said that, with regard to bloggers with no professional fashion background - passion, a willingness to do research (historical perspective does count in fashion, in my opinion), and an ability to write and command an audience, are, again, in my opinion, some of the elements of a successful fashion blog. A word about historical perspective - Several years ago, while watching tv coverage of NY Fashion Week, I saw a broadcast journalist covering the DVF show. As the models paraded down the catwalk wearing dresses with Diane von Furstenberg's younger self silkscreened across the body, the journalist proclaimed that "the dresses had women's faces on them." She had no idea that the portraits were of the designer herself. And, this journalist was a professional. I daresay that many independent fashion bloggers who have a passion for fashion would have known what this professional did not.

As to what independent fashion bloggers offer the consumer ... Some blogs are targeted to a specific audience and, hopefully, readers with those interests will ferret them out. Sometimes, print or even web-based magazines don't offer readers fashion coverage from these specific perspectives. Some blogs cover what's happening on local fashion scenes. Again, this information is rarely covered in national consumer books or fashion blogs associated with them. Also, blogging can be a daily business. There's an immediacy and a relationship the blogger develops with the reader that's born out of consistency. It's wonderful from both sides. That could account for their popularity.

One BIG thing is that the blogger is independent which translates to creative freedom. Magazines and blogs associated with magazines may have an allegiance to their readers above all else but they still rely on advertising dollars to fuel their words. (I'm not saying that all magazines or professional blogs "prostitute their editorial" for the ad dollars. But it does happen.)

Permalink Reply by Ricardo Hernandez on August 31, 2010 at 5:36pm

Hi! My name is Ricardo and I have a fashion/style blog called www.styleinquisitor.blogspot.com. In my blog, I discuss men and women's style, trends, as well as global street style. My dream at the moment is to become a fashion editor of a magazine such as Harpers' Bazaar and I have always been in love with Journalism.

I think bloggers have become an enormous influence on the the modern fashion industry because they create a creative and communicating link between real people. The consumer no longer has to work an enormous part of their life as an intern hoping that they get their moment to express their love for fashion because now, with a blog, you have freedom of expression. Blogs have become sort of a personal treasure: each one expressing the feelings of every individual fashion lover out there. I <3 Blogs!
~The Style Inquisitor
www.styleinquisitor.blogspot.com

Permalink Reply by Sarah Lee on September 24, 2010 at 11:34am

Great posting!, and I'm sorry it has taken me this long to read & reply. I posted recently that fashion blogs have become such a useful go-to - for everyone. I attribute that to the personal touches they allow, their convenience, as well as the fabulous artistic factor. So, while they have great things going for them, 'they' don't always have the experience as (Kimberly) mentioned. That minor overlooked detail of DVF was critical. So, its a reminder for all of us to do our homework, and when we put information out there, make sure we are all AWARE of the background, the foreground, side door info would help of course...and then feel free to decorate with the character that makes it all your own.

Permalink Reply by Ricardo Hernandez on August 31, 2010 at 5:36pm

Hi! My name is Ricardo and I have a fashion/style blog called www.styleinquisitor.blogspot.com. In my blog, I discuss men and women's style, trends, as well as global street style. My dream at the moment is to become a fashion editor of a magazine such as Harpers' Bazaar and I have always been in love with Journalism.

I think bloggers have become an enormous influence on the the modern fashion industry because they create a creative and communicating link between real people. The consumer no longer has to work an enormous part of their life as an intern hoping that they get their moment to express their love for fashion because now, with a blog, you have freedom of expression. Blogs have become sort of a personal treasure: each one expressing the feelings of every individual fashion lover out there. I <3 Blogs!
~The Style Inquisitor
www.styleinquisitor.blogspot.com

Permalink Reply by BILOTEcouture on October 4, 2010 at 5:11pm

I think when it comes to blogging everyone has a thought and I think an ability to write and a passion for the topic are very important. I write on fashion myself but I'm a translator -with a passion for African fashion. I didn't study fasshion journalism, or anything even related to fashion, but I know I write well. I actually often enjoy many of the articles and posts I read written by independent fashion bloggers.