INFLUENCERS ON THE RAMP: YAY OR NAY?
The fashion fraternity weighs in on the trend of influencers sharing the ramp with models
The recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) saw several digital influencers taking to the stage and walking the ramp alongside models. Although this is not a new concept, some social media users felt that this practice was unfair to professional models. DietSabya, a popular Instagram handle known for fashion policing, posted a message expressing similar views, which got reactions from many celebrities: ‘For the love of God, no more influenzas on the runway please. It’s giving embarrassing. Let them sit on the front row!! (sic).’
Fashion model Sonalika Sahay agrees and says, “Most influencers don’t do justice to the runway or the designer’s outfit.” On the contrary, model and fashion choreographer Anjali Raut says, “Influencers bring fresh and exciting energy to the stage. Their unique style can help designers reach a wider audience, and they can use their platform to promote fashion engagingly.” To this, Sahay claps back, “Ramp cannot be so accessible to all for the sake of digital PR.”
But designer Kunal Rawal thinks it’s up to the designer to decide who walks on stage and supports “casting that is open to everyone”. Designer Siddartha Tytler has a similar perspective, too: “When it comes to influencers, they have a certain personality, and it’s not wrong to have them walk. Designers are paying for the ramp, for the models, and even for the influencers. We can call who we want.”
One social media comment suggests ‘the problem isn’t influencers walking the ramp. it’s influencers not being TAUGHT how to walk the ramp!’ (sic).’ For instance, a video of influencer Riya Jain from LFW goofing around on the ramp while the showstopper was posing with the designer made several internet users call out the fad. On that, Raut says that it is essential for “influencers to receive training to showcase the designer’s creations in the best possible light”.