Niche Of The Week: Experimental Fashion

Back in January, we launched our brand new software technology, ARIA, designed to majorly cut back on the time spent conducting influencer discovery.

Fast forward a few months and ARIA has now helped us present and assign hundreds of creators to even the most niche of marketing campaigns.

Using a highly-receptive, prompt-based search engine, ARIA is able to filter out eligible influencers from a database of over 200+ million profiles according to the tiniest of details. From female micro-influencers in engineering to non-binary influencers in sustainable fashion, ARIA caters to the needs of every marketer, brand, and passer by.

To champion its capabilities, we’ve put ARIA to the test in a new series called ‘Niche of the Week’. Each week we’ll test ARIA’s prompt-based search engine by inputting detailed prompts into the search bar and exploring the results, proving ARIA’s influencer discovery power.

This week, we asked ARIA to find us 20 micro-influencers who specialise in avant-garde and experimental fashion across Instagram and TikTok. For influencers who push the boundaries with unconventional makeup techniques, bold fashion statements, and innovative styling and those who often participate in fashion shows, art installations, or editorial shoots, and who collaborate with emerging designers and artists.

Here’s what ARIA found.

THE TOP 20 EXPERIMENTAL FASHION INFLUENCERS DOMINATING ARIA’S DATABASE

@yijihoon

Typically found looking as if he stepped straight out of a futuristic video game, Yijihoon has become one of the most popular experimental fashion influencers out there. 

Known for his YouTube and TikTok videos that explore styles such as warcore and techware, Yijihoon is an expert on all things avant garde. His style is a mix of cyber punk and techware; think black outfits filled with zips, utility pockets, and always paired with a chunky pair of luxury shoes. 

@joannahstyle

Looking like they’ve stepped straight out of an AI image, Josef and Hannah at the epitome of experimental fashion influencers. 

This London based couple are breaking societal norms left, right and centre, with their forward thinking fashion. From furry hats bigger than a small dog, to matching burlap sack inspired quilt dresses, Josef and Hannah take fashion to new heights with every post. 

@saintlilithhh

Oluwakemi, “The Don Diva” is here to show all the experimental fashion influencers how it’s done. 

Her vibe is akin to a punk vampire; think bold, black lip liner, angular eyeliner, and plenty of black lace. With her extensive silver jewellery collection and thigh high black boots in tow, there’s no underground rave nor ballroom scene Akemi won’t attend. 

Be sure to follow her for plenty of edgy makeup inspiration and genuine chats about mental health. 

@thegothicsprite

If Lydia from Beetlejuice had an Instagram it would look like this. 

With her choppy black bangs and endless array of black eyeliner looks, Erica is the epitome of experimental fashion influencers. Her account is dedicated to her many makeup looks; from Punk inspired eye looks bedazzled with jump rings, to soft yellow and green ombre blush, Erica’s style exists outside of every box imaginable. 

@delsindepuy

If David Bowie and Angelica Houston had a love child, it would be Delsin DePuy. 

Taking avant garde to the next level with every art inspired makeup look, DePuy’s is in a league of their own. Their style is grungy yet colourful; think smudged eyeshadow made up of a million different colours, paired with a Nikki Minaj style colourful wig. 

For endless inspiration from one of the most out there experimental fashion influencers in 2024, be sure to check out DePuy. 

@tevinconsiglio

An expert in creative direction and styling, Tevin Consiglio’s following may be small, but they are sure to join the ranks of the most famous experimental fashion influencers any day now. 

Known for their incredible photography skills, Consiglio’s account is filled with avant garde photo shoots and daring styling. They dabble in modelling themselves, so you’re sure to be treated to some experimental looks on their behalf as well. Their style is out there to the max, with plenty of alien themes. 

For never ending hair inspo and plenty of eyebrow envy, have a look at Consiglio. 

@mandyretsuko

Mandy Retsuko is here to blow all the other Y2K inspired experimental fashion influencers out of the water. 

From her chunky, pink highlights to her daringly thin, bejewelled eyebrows, Retsuko has that alternative Y2K look down pat. Her Instagram is dedicated to her fashion adventures, from dying her hair and getting new nails, to attending Prada events in LA. 

Never one to shy away from some intricately laced bows, Retsuko is a must follow for those of you who love anything extra. 

@megbenitez

If you loved the intricate, over the top makeup styling in Euphoria, but wish it had a bit more alternative spirit, this ones for you. 

One of the more up and coming experimental fashion influencers, Meg Benitez is a bona fide makeup connoisseur. Her style is punk inspired, with plenty of bold colours, striking eyeliner, and avant garde hairstyles. What takes her account to the next level, however, is the incredible way she styles these looks; with stunning, experimental photography. 

@ap.lab

A gothic queen who knows her way around a paintbrush, Anni Peng is not like your usual experimental fashion influencers. 

With her Morticia Adams style aesthetic, Peng approaches her fashion much like her artworks; meticulously and with great artistry. Her style is full of black eyeliner, plenty of leather, and witchy dresses. Never one to stick to any norm, Peng can be found modelling, painting, styling and creating beautiful makeup looks all in one day. 

@nikohaagenson

Here to flip the makeup and fashion industries upside down, Niko Haagenson makes even the most experimental fashion influencers look tame. 

From their bright orange mullet to their gory take on makeup, Haagenson seeks to push boundaries with every post. Owner of Subversive Beauty, a podcast on all things fashion and beauty, Haagenson uses their platform to challenge gender and beauty norms, encouraging everyone to find their own unique style and happiness. 

@sephorakng

Not one to shy away from an oversized fit or various prints/patterns, Sephora spotlights her relationship with experimental fashion with her 67K followers. Effortlessly blending elegance with innovation, visitors to Sephora’s account can expect to leave with unlimited outfit inspiration whether it be for date night, holiday, or a gala (not before hitting that follow button though!).

@jamieleeculver

As a self-proclaimed lover of “all things visual”, Jamie-Lee’s Instagram account perfectly blends experimental photography with her pioneering tastes in clothing. Using clothing as a way to experiment with her own gender boundaries, this experimental fashion influencer’s account also spotlights the individuals around her experiencing the same journey, often dedicating posts to their style and craft.

@style.withasmile

Noa joins our list of experimental fashion influencers as a storyteller of all things vegan, sustainable, and ethical fashion. Often seen collaborating with sustainable fashion brands, Noa is also one of the few experimental fashion influencers who creates her own pieces, styling them in unconventional ways.

@charmainelagob

Outside of being one of the most trailblazing experimental fashion influencers on this list, Charmaine is the founder and owner of @hausofartem_, a creative venue in Copenhagen for photographers, fashion designers, artists etc. On Charmaine’s personal Instagram account, you can expect to find a masterclass in layering, accessorising, and learning how not to let the clothes wear you. 

@bunnyandfawn 

Naomi takes experimental fashion into the realm of cosplay as she tailors her fashion and beauty to embody certain pop culture figures and celebrities, from the Queen of Hearts to a female Tyler Durden. If you’re on the lookout for experimental fashion influencers who are also into experimental beauty, then Naomi is your go to!

@ginaaliciaofficial

As with all experimental fashion influencers, Gina Alicia uses fashion as a form of self-expression. Leaning into her background in art and creative direction, Gina’s experimental fashion account perfectly marries retro and grunge, with a nod to intentional styling with accessories such as berets, sunglasses, jewellery, and more. If you’re looking to level up your styling game, then look to Gina for inspiration.

@marrs_the_martian

As a self-described “non-binary Artiste”, Christopher regularly challenges gender norms through the use of fashion and beauty. Their dedication to bold colours and statement pieces, is what earns them the title of one of the most pioneering experimental fashion influencers on social media. If you’re looking for experimental fashion through an editorial lens, then Christopher is your go to!

@jayytagle 

Jay’s wardrobe is truly what dreams are made of. Owning statement pieces in almost every colour and fabric you can think of, Jay stands out as one of the pioneers of men’s experimental fashion. Likened to that of a runway, Jay’s visuals on the gram pin him down as one of the top experimental fashion influencers to seek out, whether it be for levelling up your styling game or simply exploring what the world of experimental fashion has to offer.

@armielchandler 

Army is here to remind us that plus size representation matters, even when it comes to experimental fashion. His Instagram account is likened to a showroom of some of the most colourful, innovative styles, all while exuding a level of confidence one can only aspire to achieve. If you’re on the lookout for experimental fashion influencers who push boundaries, trailblaze, and pioneer, then Army is the one for you.

@darylchang 

Daryl is a renowned fashion director for the likes of d.d.daily and billboardphofficial. Her personal style sees an innovative spin on the classic cargos and simple tee combination, spotlighting her as one of the most influential stylists on our list of experimental fashion influencers. Even if experimental fashion isn’t for you, simply scrolling through Daryl’s feed and taking in the visuals is an experience in and of itself.

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