Social Media Republic
Social media tools for the fashion industryLooking for social media content inspiration for your fashion brand? Look no further than these accounts. International brands like Adidas, H&M and Zara are known for their mega follower counts (the only fashion brands that top the 25-most-followed Instagram accounts as of December 2016). But this curated list goes beyond the fashion brands with a pre-established international following.
I’ll dive into an analysis of content trends in a future blog post, but some of the common themes include:
- Visually arresting series of images.
- Cohesive color palettes.
- Negative space.
- Integration of lifestyle images with product photos.
Scroll down for all the inspirational eye candy from these envy-inducing Instagram feeds.
Quick Take: Common themes for top fashion brand Instagram accounts:
- Visually arresting series of images.
- Cohesive color palettes.
- Negative space.
- Integration of lifestyle images with product photos.
20 Fashion Brands Instagram Accounts to Mimic in 2017
The Highest Followed (with the best feeds)
@AdidasOriginals
@Zara
The Artists
Some fashion brands can take the abstract art-meets-Instagram vibe to an extreme level, especially in the luxury space (looking at you, The Row). But these brands below hit the mark in balancing marketing with art. I’ve been a huge fan of Mara Hoffman’s Instagram account for a while and his six-grid photo doesn’t give the entire feed justice. With interlocking images that piece together like a puzzle across the grid lines, Mara Hoffman’s social media team truly approaches Instagram with an artist’s eye.
Similarly, She Thinx and Amata Bene integrate plenty of art and graphics-mixed photos with product shots to create a sense of taste while staying on-brand and visually cohesive. Studio 189 incorporates powerful editorial shots into their feed for added interest.
@MaraHoffman
Most Visually Cohesive
Millennial-focused brands PacSun and Forever 21 have nailed it on the balance of lifestyle photos, product integration and user-generated content on their Instagram feeds– and their engagement percentages reflect the approval of their followers.
@PacSun
Best Product Placement
The following brands stray from the classic fashion brands, and yet the fashion industry can certainly take cues from these Instagram accounts. Eyewear brand Warby Parker, SF-based artisan shoe brand Bryr Clogs and hipster DIY photo book eCommerce brand Artifact Uprising all do a great job showcasing their product repeatedly without feel too commercialized.
@WarbyParker
Best Lifestyle Storytelling
These brands use social media to tell a larger story about their the lifestyle of their consumer, integrating dreamy landscapes and home spaces that reflect aspirations of their consumers. From fashion leaders Free People, Madewell and Brandy Melville, to up-and-coming Project Runway alumna Candice Cuoco and altruistic accessory brand Krochet Kids, to fashion college FIDM (full disclosure… my alma mater and totally biased pick)– each of these accounts capture a unique and compelling point of view of the world and their customers.
@FreePeople
Best Color Palette
Again I stray from featuring a fashion brand here, but can’t help but feature beauty brand Glossier for their lovely pink-toned Instagram feed.
@Glossier
Best Overall
Bravo to the Instagram team at sustainable accessories brand Brother Vellies. Stunning high-contrast, warm-toned product photos are integrated with user-generated images that somehow match. Overall a stunning feed
Awesome post, very useful for personal branding.
Any pointers on how an artist (abstract expressionist painter) that works in the fashion industry (product development) should capitalize on the new Instagram trends?
Thanks!
Hi Jose,
Thanks so much and hope you enjoyed the post (very cool work, by the way)! My advice is to interact with your prospective clients on Instagram by liking/commenting on their posts. Post frequently and consistently using hashtags that relate to the fashion industry. Maybe use Instagram Live or Instagram Stories to show off your works-in-progress, too? Do you follow @PaperFashion on Instagram? She has a different style than you but might be good to check out for inspiration in terms of content. Best of luck! –Mani