LIV PINES AGREES: FASHION RULES THE WORLD

Since she was little, Liv has had a knack for fashion that seemed almost second nature. "My mom used to dress me up all the time," she reminisces, thinking back on her earliest experiences with style. But it wasn't until her sophomore year of high school that Liv's fashion journey truly took off. "I started noticing how much I enjoyed sharing my outfit ideas," she shares. "I wanted to show them off." What began as a simple Instagram account, created with a friend, soon blossomed into Liv's own solo project, marking the start of her adventure into the realm of digital fashion influence.

Looking back on her journey, Liv credits her initial inspiration to the rise of social media influencers in the early 2010s. "That's when influencers started gaining traction," she recalls, reminiscing about Instagram's early days. As she delved into the world of content creation and brand partnerships, Liv found herself drawn to the creative side of fashion blogging, moving beyond simple outfit posts to curate a visually stunning feed. With each post, Liv saw an opportunity to create a narrative, to spark inspiration, and to showcase her evolving sense of style. It wasn't just about sharing outfits; it was about creating an immersive experience for her followers—one that celebrated individuality and self-expression. As she immersed herself further into fashion blogging, Liv discovered a deep appreciation for the artistry behind it all. From styling photo shoots to brainstorming brand collaborations, she reveled in the chance to express herself creatively and challenge the norms of traditional fashion content. For Liv, fashion blogging wasn't just a pastime; it was a passion—a way to express herself, connect with others, and share her love for style with the world.

Even though Liv's upbringing in Connecticut has left a mark on her style, she doesn't let state boundaries confine her aesthetic. Instead, she effortlessly blends elements of preppy sophistication with urban edge. "I enjoy finding a balance," she explains, noting her love for pairing upscale items with streetwear essentials. "Compared to my friends, I definitely bring that Connecticut preppy vibe into about half of my outfits," she adds with a thoughtful smile. It's this distinctive mix of influences that makes Liv stand out in the constantly changing world of fashion.

As Liv's journey in fashion unfolded, her sources of inspiration took on a transformation mirroring her own growth and evolving tastes. Initially drawn to individual influencers shaping the digital world, Liv's interests expanded to encompass broader aspects of brand storytelling and marketing. Brands like Jacquemus and Simon Miller left a permeant mark on Liv with their innovative approaches to narrative-building through digital platforms. She admired how they utilized social media not just for promotion but as a canvas for storytelling, weaving captivating narratives around their collections and brand identity. This approach deeply resonated with Liv, igniting her desire to explore new creative avenues within fashion blogging. However, amidst the plethora of brands and influencers, it was Nitsan Raiter who truly captivated Liv's imagination. Nitsan Raiter's distinct style and ability to craft visually stunning content not only inspired Liv but also provided her with a roadmap for carving out her own niche in the competitive fashion landscape. Through her admiration for brands like Jacquemus and Simon Miller, and her connection with influencers like Nitsan Raiter, Liv gained invaluable insights into the power of storytelling and visual expression in the digital age. These inspirations continue to inform her approach to content creation and brand collaboration, guiding her as she navigates the dynamic world of fashion and digital media.

 "I would say at this point, I mean my favorite influencer of all time is Nitsan Raiter. She, I just think when I was starting out that we really just had a similar aesthetic so she kind of inspired me with like feeds and everything like that and is how I got into making and crafting a feed. At this point my main inspirations would be Jacquemus digital marketing, all of their campaigns. Um, I also like Simon Miller, who I worked for. I sometimes find that I like menswear even more than womenswear, even though my style is like a mix of both. But, I find that sometimes the menswear social content is more interesting. It's newer, it's not like the same like high fashion model women thing that we always see, it's…like they're really being creative. So right now my influences I would say are more like brands and their marketing rather than people." 

Liv's journey into fashion was influenced by her upbringing in a family full of creatives. With both parents deeply involved in advertising and art, Liv was surrounded by inspiration and encouragement from an early age. "Having creative parents really opened my eyes to the idea that I could turn my passion into a career," she shares, reflecting on her childhood. Growing up in an environment where creativity and humor were cherished, Liv naturally gravitated towards the realms of digital media and fashion, drawn by the endless possibilities they offered.

In the midst of the rapidly evolving world of social media influencers in 2018, Liv discovered a passion for exploring creative avenues beyond simply sharing her outfits. "I wanted my account to be more than just basic mirror selfies," she recounts. "I aimed to create visually appealing pictures to elevate my feed." As Liv dedicated herself to refining her skills, she immersed herself in the realm of social media marketing, eagerly absorbing knowledge about branding and content creation along the way.

As graduation day draws near, Liv finds herself standing on the brink of a thrilling new chapter in her life's journey. Fueled by anticipation, ambition, and a wealth of untapped potential, she eagerly awaits the adventures that lie ahead. With a diverse array of internships under her belt, Liv is more than ready to pursue her dream of becoming a creative director for a fashion brand. Her internships have been more than just stepping stones; they've been transformative experiences that have shaped her skills, her craft, and her vision. At Retrofête, in particular, working alongside art director Monica Grueninger was a revelation. Grueninger's mentorship provided Liv with invaluable insights into the intricacies of brand curation, content creation, and the art of storytelling in the fashion world. From these experiences, Liv has emerged with a deep understanding of how to translate abstract ideas and creative visions into compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Inspired and driven by her passion for creativity and innovation, she envisions herself as a gateway for change in the industry—a leader who can steer a brand towards new heights of artistic expression and cultural relevance. Armed with an eye for design, a gift for storytelling, and an unwavering dedication to excellence, Liv is ready to embrace the challenges and responsibilities of a creative director. She doesn't just see herself as a leader; she sees herself as a visionary—a trailblazer who is unafraid to challenge the status quo and forge a path towards bold, new spaces in the world of fashion.

 "But you know what, this summer I learned a good lesson, I would say, at Retrofête. My boss for the internship was awesome and so nice, and the team was very small, and one day we were in a meeting, and I was there, included as the intern, and they asked me “What are your thoughts on this?” And I said, you know, I don't think it makes sense and my boss taught me a good lesson. She was like, that's fine. I love that. Tell me it doesn't make sense, but tell me what I have to do for it. Yeah. So I kind of learned that when you're giving advice or something to someone, how you make yourself important is by giving a solution."

Despite the hurdles of staying relevant in the fiercely competitive world of fashion blogging, Liv stands firm in her dedication to authenticity and reliability. "Despite all the ups and downs, the experiences I've gained from my blog are invaluable," she declares, stressing the importance of genuine connections and personal development over superficial things like follower counts.

As Liv looks towards the future, she holds two key aspirations close to her heart. On the professional front, she aims to carve out a rewarding career within the fashion industry, all while keeping her blog alive as a cherished creative space. "I just want my blog to keep growing organically, staying true to its roots," she expresses with optimism. With her innate sense of style and a talent for making captivating narratives, Liv Pines is set to make a lasting impact not only in the world of fashion but also beyond its boundaries.