‘Real-Life Carrie Bradshaw’ Becomes an Influencer in Her 50s Despite Kids ‘Begging Her Not to’ (Exclusive) 

**Carla Rockmore: A Fashion Influencer Redefining Style for All Ages**

Carla Rockmore has emerged as a leading voice in the fashion industry, particularly for women seeking to define their personal style. With a growing following of over two million across various social media platforms, Rockmore’s journey to becoming an influencer was anything but conventional.

The designer, based in Texas, began her foray into social media during the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. At the time, she was in India working on a jewellery collection when her husband urged her to return home due to the escalating pandemic. “I flew right back home, and we went straight into lockdown,” Rockmore recounted. Faced with uncertainty about the duration of the restrictions and a void of creative outlets, she felt a pressing need to create. “If I don’t create something, I’m going to go whack-a-doodle,” she recalled.

With her usual materials unavailable, Rockmore turned to her vast closet brimming with colourful garments. Armed with only her wardrobe and a camera, she began sharing her style online. “I am a clothing designer by trade. I’ve always created, I’ve always made stuff,” she explained. Her unique approach quickly drew the attention of fashion enthusiasts, with many dubbing her the ‘real-life Carrie Bradshaw’ due to her stylish persona reminiscent of the iconic character from *Sex and the City*.

Despite her quick rise to fame, Rockmore was initially hesitant about embracing social media. Prior to the pandemic, she had little interest in sharing her life online, primarily using her Instagram account for personal messages. “My kids begged me not to. It was a bit of a ‘What do you mean you’re going to go on social media?'” she reflected with a laugh. Her previous foray into YouTube styling sessions had garnered her just 91 followers.

It wasn’t until her daughter Ivy encouraged her to try TikTok that Rockmore’s popularity skyrocketed. Facing the challenge of condensing her content to fit the platform’s one-minute format, she found the editing process invigorating. “Learning how to edit and then editing the work was the fun,” she said. Her daughter uploaded Rockmore’s first video, which went viral almost immediately, garnering over 500,000 followers within a week—a whirlwind that left her astounded.

As she adapted to this new world of social media, Rockmore began to view her online presence as a business, despite initially lacking a clear strategy. “I was more interested in learning how to better myself, and I was more interested in teaching the followers the questions they were asking,” she stated. Today, she regularly shares outfit inspirations, styling tips, and showcases her extensive collection of accessories.

Rockmore has observed notable differences between her work in fashion design and her role as an influencer. She highlights that the quick feedback loop of social media significantly contrasts with the lengthy design process in the apparel industry, where it can take months to receive consumer responses. “With social media, it’s immediate,” she noted, pointing out that followers aren’t shy about expressing their opinions on her content.

This feedback has led Rockmore to adopt a collaborative approach with her audience. Instead of simply showing her outfits and advising on fashion dos and don’ts, she fosters a sense of community among her followers. “Let’s all make mistakes. Let’s all figure it out together,” she encourages. This inclusive style resonates with her audience, making her platform a space for shared learning rather than one-way instruction.

Carla Rockmore’s journey from a jewellery designer to a social media sensation underscores the evolving landscape of fashion and influence. Her story serves as an inspiration for many women, illustrating the power of creativity and community, particularly in times of uncertainty. With each post, Rockmore continues to redefine style for women of all ages, proving that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about personal expression and connection.