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Whether you filmed each look admiringly from a seat on the front row, or you longingly spectated from behind a screen - with a phone ban courtesy of The Row & a Kate Moss doppelgänger running riot on the runway, there’s no denying... it’s been quite the Fashion Week season.
But before we bid adieu I thought I’d arm you with one final blueprint.
We’ve taken a closer look at Victoria Magrath’s steady Fashion Week trajectory & Moya Mawhinney’s relatively rapid journey to the front row.
But there are times when the scenic (& perhaps more gradual) route, can garner the greatest gains & I can’t think of a more perfect example of that fact, than Karen Blanchard - more affectionately known as Karen Brit Chick.
With an impressive social media audience that includes 266k devoted Instagram followers, 92.1k TikTok followers and 357k YouTube subscribers, Karen Blanchard continues to stand out in the ever-evolving realm of fashion.
Born & bred amidst the bustling streets of London, Karen's journey into the world of style began long before she graced the avenues of New York. However, it was her relocation to the iconic city that never sleeps, that truly ignited her passion and propelled her into the spotlight.
As the creative force behind the widely acclaimed blog "Where Did U Get That", Karen has carved out a niche for herself, empowering women to discover hidden fashion gems in the concrete jungle of New York.
What sets Karen apart however, isn't just her eye-catching style or her captivating online presence—it's her unwavering commitment to her craft.
For over 15 years, Karen has been a mainstay in the YouTube fashion community, with her very first videos serving as a testament to her dedication & love for all things fashion. From those humble beginnings, she has evolved into a powerhouse content creator, engaging audiences with her authenticity & relatability.
One of Karen's most beloved YouTube series, "What Everyone is Wearing in New York," has become a cultural phenomenon, amassing millions of likes with 34 episodes to date. Through this series, Karen offers a glimpse into the eclectic and diverse fashion landscape of New York City, celebrating individuality and self-expression in all its forms.
And then there's her style!
A harmonious blend of vintage treasures, budget-friendly finds and the occasional designer splurge, Karen's wardrobe reflects her fearless approach to fashion. Whether she's gracing the front row at Fashion Week or strolling through the streets of her beloved city, Karen’s style is unmistakable, unapologetic and utterly captivating.
Waiting In The Wings
While Karen may have started her journey with the launch of her blog in 2009, her first appearance at Fashion Week happened over a decade later in 2022, at New York Fashion Week, where she received her inaugural invitations, igniting a spark that would redefine her relationship with fashion.
Setting the tone for her NYFW debut, Karen indulged in the luxury of designer shopping with Mytheresa, curating a wardrobe that seamlessly blended sophistication with trendsetting flair.
From the coveted front row of the Bronx and Banco, wearing a mesmerising blue floor-length gown, to the vibrant energy of Carolina Herrera's presentation, where she dazzled in a playful yellow polka dot ensemble, Karen shone with her impeccable taste & down to earth nature.
Paris Fashion Week beckoned next, casting Karen into the heart of the world's fashion capital.
While attending prestigious shows including Off-White and Dice Kayek, Karen immersed herself in the rich tapestry of Parisian couture, leaving an impression at every turn.
The Maison Kitsuné cocktail party provided the perfect backdrop for her signature style to shine, cementing her status as a global fashion influencer.
Since her debut, Karen has traversed the globe, gracing the runways of Milan and Paris with her presence. From the vibrant energy of Milan late 2022, to the timeless allure of Paris late 2022 and subsequent appearances in New York, Milan and Paris in early & late 2023, Karen’s Fashion Week journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Most recently, at New York Fashion Week 2024, Karen continued to captivate with her discerning eye. From the sophistication of the Phillip Lim Presentations to the glamorous allure of the Prada Beauty event and the iconic grandeur of the Brandon Maxwell show, Karen once again proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of fashion.
‘How did Karen’s journey lead her to this coveted destination?’, I hear you wonder.
Here’s the blueprint…
1. Styling: One of Karen's key strategies for monetising her Fashion Week experience is through her distinctive personal style. Teaming up with her husband, Michael Marrs, Karen takes to the streets to capture her eclectic ensembles in stunning street style shoots. These shoots not only showcase Karen's fashion-forward sensibilities but also serve as valuable content for brand collaborations, sponsorships & affiliate partnerships. By strategically incorporating pieces from both established designers and emerging labels, Karen positions herself as a tastemaker, with an eye for both the avant-garde and the accessible.
2. Passion: But it's not just about the clothes for Karen—it's about her unwavering love & passion for the fashion industry as a whole. From the moment she steps foot into a Fashion Week event, Karen pours her heart and soul into every look, infusing each ensemble with her signature creativity and personality. Whether she's attending presentations by renowned designers, or rubbing shoulders with industry insiders, Karen's genuine enthusiasm for all things fashion shines through, resonating with her audience & attracting lucrative opportunities along the way.
3. Documentation: Furthermore, Karen's meticulous documentation of her Fashion Week journey is a testament to her dedication to her social media community. From behind-the-scenes glimpses of her getting ready, to detailed breakdowns of each outfit, Karen takes the time to curate content that offers her followers a front-row view of the Fashion Week scene. Whether she's taking over Coveteur's Instagram for the day or making appearances on WWD's feed with her street style looks, Karen ensures that every moment is carefully documented and highlighted, providing her audience with an immersive experience that keeps them coming back for more.
In essence, Karen Blanchard has transformed Fashion Week into more than just a showcase of the latest trends—it's a business venture fueled by her passion for style, her keen eye for fashion & her commitment to providing her audience with content that inspires, educates and entertains.
‘It’s not the destination, it’s the journey’
Karen’s whirlwind path to Fashion Week, has been nothing short of inspirational.
From gracing the glossy pages of magazines like Paste and Glamour, to dishing out fashion hacks & sustainability tips on the Networth and Chill Podcast, Karen's impact extends far beyond the runway.
But what really sets Karen apart is her down-to-earth approach to style.
I mean, who else can we count on to diligently upload their outfit details to the LTK app, making it a breeze for fellow fashion lovers to snag her look? It's this kind of transparency & accessibility that makes Karen not just a fashion icon, but a friend & mentor to her followers.
As she continues to navigate the ever-evolving world of fashion, one thing's for sure: Karen Brit Chick's influence is here to stay.
And you know who else is here to stay?
Yours truly.
See you front row next season.
You know you love me…
Image Credit | @karenbritchick
