APEXers are asking five questions about the year it’s been and what individuals are looking forward to in 2016.
Today’s post is from Lacey Ward, social media editor for FAJO Magazine.
“A big change that I have noticed in fashion & media would be the demand for unaltered images and honest media.”
Lacey Ward
- What is the biggest surprise/change you’ve seen in your industry in the past year?
“A big change that I have noticed in fashion & media would be the demand for unaltered images and honest media. I have seen several celebrities and models publicly call out brands or publications for altering their images to unrealistic extremes in the past year.
Many brands such as Modcloth and Aerie have come forward to say that they will no longer photo shop their images. I think this will prompt a shift in the way that the fashion industry markets their product. Consumers are placing value in seeing realistic images and are speaking up if they notice otherwise.”
- Who is a true disrupter or game changer in your opinion?
“I would say a game changer would be the rise of live-video apps. There is a high demand to provide real-time coverage via social media, apps like Periscope and Meerkat are making it easier than ever. It is a great way to connect with your audience on a more personal level.
I find it is no longer sufficient to tweet a description of what is on the runway at a show or happening at an event, people want to see live video in that moment. Although it could be argued that this feature takes away from the exclusivity of having that coveted front-row seat at fashion week or an invite to a VIP event.”
- What app or technology do you rely on most day-to-day?
“As a social media editor, my phone rarely leaves my hand (hello, data overage charges). I’m always checking both Twitter and Instagram for news and fresh article releases. I prefer Instagram for seeing new styling ideas and concepts for displaying content.
I also cannot go a day without Hootsuite, I use it to schedule all of the posts that go out daily for FAJO, it is essential for keeping me organized!”
- What don’t you want to see carried over in 2016?
“I think it might be time to throw in the towel with the above the table brunch/meal shots, I think we have seen all of the menu options at every restaurant at this point. (I am guilty of this occasionally, but I have vowed to stop in 2016).”
- What are you most excited about for 2016?
“Now more than ever we have the ability to interact with people globally through social media; I am looking forward to utilizing these new apps/services to continue to grow and engage with our international audience at FAJO!
On a fashion-related note, I am excited and hopeful to see people being conscious of the products they purchase and where they came from, it’s great to see consumers shopping local and embracing local talent.”
These five questions were compiled by Laura Zechel, account coordinator at APEX PR. Follow her on Twitter.
Photo credit to Kareen Mallon of FAJO Magazine.