This Gen-Z influencer is one of the established and breakout names informing fashion and, more importantly, culture today. More from the series →
YouTuber, face of the Louis Vuitton fall-winter 2021 shoe collection
Emma Chamberlain isn’t a budding fashionista — she’s already at the top. But what makes the YouTuber’s journey feel new and fascinating is her continuously evolving style. While fame has no doubt impacted her access and taste, when it comes to designers and fashion, she still isn’t dressing to make anyone else happy.
“I got into thrift shopping and would pick out weird pieces that excited me, and that was where I started to discover my own personal style that had no influence from my peers,” the 20-year-old said. “There was a lot of trial and error. I heavily explored trends, while also exploring things that didn’t fit in any specific trend. Over time, I figured out that it doesn’t really matter. If you like an outfit and it makes you feel good, that’s the most important factor. If it happens to be ‘trendy,’ great. But if not, that’s great, too.”
While many influencers attach the “feel good in your skin” message while baring it, Chamberlain has helped shift that narrative. She encourages her followers (including 14.5 on Instagram, 11 million subscribers on YouTube) to wear what makes them feel confident, whether it be a swimsuit or a sweatsuit.
“I literally wear whatever I want,” she said. “It changes constantly. I don’t put myself in a box in any way. If I simply like something for what it is, I wear it. I don’t look at clothes based on anything besides whether or not I simply love them.”
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Clearly, whatever she’s doing is working. In addition to becoming Louis Vuitton’s perpetual plus-one, the Northern California native recently scored a partnership with Pacsun and has been on a slew of covetable magazine covers. In October, she was featured on the digital cover of “V” magazine, which dubbed her “Girl of the 21st Century.” She also counts “fashion uncle” Derek Blasberg as family and has even received the fangirl treatment from Kris and Kendall Jenner.
About a month ago, Chamberlain elevated her status in the fashion world with not only a debut invite to the Met Gala, but also a role as Vogue’s acclaimed red carpet correspondent for the night. She gracefully acknowledged the flack surrounding social media personalities’ inclusion at events like the Gala.
“I totally understand why it may be uncomfortable for some [people] to see digital stars attending high fashion events, because [what we do] is so new and relatively misunderstood,” Chamberlain said. “But the world is changing, mainstream media is changing and brands are doing their best to adapt. It may take some time … but that’s OK. Change and evolution are uncomfortable, but I’m honored to be a part of it, regardless.”
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While Chamberlain’s life is unpredictable, at best, she does have one constant: She’s living it in platforms.
“They can be edgy, classy, crazy and everything in-between,” she said. “I wear platform shoes probably six out of the seven days in a week, and they never get old.”
To see all 13 Gen-Z names changing fashion, click here.
