When TikTok stars such as Charli D’Amelio began appearing at New York Fashion Week in 2021, the fashion world was divided. Some welcomed the new audiences these creators bring, while others felt they were taking opportunities away from trained models and designers. Fashion influencer It’s David Martinez weighed in, and his answer surprised many of his followers.
A Surprising Response
Martinez has a reputation for being outspoken about influencers entering fashion. So when a follower asked him on Instagram Stories what he thought of Charli D’Amelio and other TikTokers taking part in NYFW 2021, many expected criticism. Instead, he said:
“Fashion is a universal language, and what happens on the runway is just a small part of the process. They should be proud of the modeling part, but that’s just a small piece of what fashion is. Fashion is for everyone because ultimately this is a business designed for the customer.”
Fashion Is a Business
His point is worth highlighting. Many people associate fashion only with runways and fashion weeks, but the industry is much bigger than that. Every time we choose what to wear or buy, we are part of the fashion business. Creators with huge audiences, such as Bretman Rock, Dixie D’Amelio, Noah Beck and Emma Chamberlain, can introduce brands to millions of potential customers, which explains why major shows invite them.
It is also true that some successful models first built their following as online influencers before moving into professional modelling.
Why Followers Were Surprised
Years earlier, Martinez had criticised influencers attending the Met Gala, saying: “I love the Met Gala, but it is not fair for people that worked their way through not to receive as much attention in the event, thanks to influencers.”
The two events are very different, though. The Met Gala is an exclusive, invitation-only night organised with Vogue, while New York Fashion Week is a broader series of shows and events where many more people can take part. That difference may explain why his view on NYFW was more relaxed.
The Bigger Debate
The question of influencers in high fashion is not going away. Brands value reach and engagement, while traditional professionals value training and craft. Martinez’s comments suggest there may be room for both, as long as everyone remembers that the runway is only one part of a much larger industry.
