How the brain behind ‘What People Are Wearing’ created one of Fashion’s most captivating Feeds She may have nearly 2 million followers on Instagram and an account that is swiftly becoming the source for street-style trends, but Linoya Friedman manages to keep a humble approach as she traverses the globe, capturing stories through people’s unique styles alongside showcasing her own chic fashion sense.
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It is evident that Linoya Friedman, through her account, What People Are Wearing, has reshaped the landscape of street-style journalism, focusing on real people, real outfits, and real connections. She strongly believes that the most captivating fashion narratives often unfold on the sidewalks rather than the runways. Friedman’s work is underpinned by the core emotion of joy – the joy of engaging with strangers, the joy of crafting a video, and the joy of observing people light up when their carefully curated outfit is acknowledged.
Unlike the fashion industry’s obsession with exclusivity, Linoya Friedman has embraced a more inclusive approach, built on curiosity and genuine connections. Through What People Are Wearing, her immensely popular Instagram account, she has not only captured fashion statements but also brought to light individual personalities, cultures, and narratives. She has transitioned seamlessly from the streets to the front row, establishing herself as a prominent chronicler of personal style and aesthetics in the realm of social media.
New York City, with its unparalleled energy and unmatched creativity, serves as a continuous source of inspiration for Friedman. Dressed in a white Reformation t-shirt and STAUD trousers during a candid conversation with PEOPLE in Tribeca, she explains how the city feels like home and appreciates the diverse and creative expressions of style that define its inhabitants. Her approach to content creation is straightforward yet incredibly effective: it revolves around promoting creativity, celebrating uniqueness, and engaging with individuals in an authentic manner.
From observing visually stunning couples walking down the street to acknowledging the power of real people’s style choices, her content resonates with her audience, sparking emotions and reflections on human connections. Despite her growing platform, Friedman remains intimately involved in the production of each video, finding joy and satisfaction in the editing process. Her ability to make strangers feel comfortable and encourage candid conversations underscores her authentic and approachable persona, setting her apart in an industry often characterised by glamour and exclusivity.
Linoya Friedman’s journey into the realms of entrepreneurship and fashion was shaped by her upbringing and early ambitions of being her own boss. While accumulating hundreds of millions of views and prestigious brand collaborations, Friedman remains rooted in the joy of creating meaningful content and connecting with individuals on a personal level. As she navigates through Fashion Weeks across the globe, Paris holds a special place in her heart, where she finds not only inspiration but also unique vintage pieces that define her evolving sense of style.
Amidst the whirlwind of travel, brand engagements, and content creation, Friedman maintains a remarkable balance and sense of purpose. She cherishes the genuine interactions with her followers, embodies a sense of gratitude towards her audience, and remains open to new possibilities. As she contemplates future projects, including the potential for a podcast and a city style guide, Friedman’s commitment to highlighting the beauty of everyday fashion and authentic human connections remains steadfast. Her aspiration to extend her interviewing skills to the red carpet reflects her evolving ambitions and her unwavering dedication to capturing stories that resonate with people globally.
In a world where fashion is often synonymous with unattainable standards and elitism, Linoya Friedman’s story serves as a refreshing reminder of the power of authenticity, inclusivity, and the human connections that lie at the heart of personal style. Through her lens, street style becomes a medium for storytelling, self-expression, and genuine connections, transcending boundaries and resonating with audiences worldwide.