#sponsored on Instagram: Analyzing Influencers’ Content With Luxury Fashion Brands

Abstract

This major research project highlights the fashionable ideal carried by macro influencers and luxury fashion brands relations to diversity and inclusion through a methodological approach of visual and textual content analysis. Researchers have examined issues surrounding inclusivity in print media, but little research exists regarding social media and its presentation of the normative ideal through influencer marketing. This project aims to explore ten top Instagram influencers accounts to analyze the content they create and present to audiences on Instagram through a cultural lens. The findings from the analysis resulted in insights into areas surrounding visual discourse that frame the notion of a normative fashionable look on Instagram. This initial research project will offer insights into areas for brands in the future to work to dismantle and expand their visual representation.