Influencer Sessions: Get To Know @mralbiter
Oct 10, 2024
Influencer Sessions
We caught up with menswear enthusiast Brian, or as he’s better known online @mralbiter, to talk dream brand deals, dressing to impress, and diversity in fashion. Read on to discover more about how this menswear creator champions fashion on social media!
Where does your love for fashion come from?
My love for fashion stems from my Mother’s obsession with Ralph Lauren, which introduced me to the world of fashion and instilled in me an appreciation for quality, lifestyle, and elegant dressing.
How has the increase in menswear influencers impacted the content you put out? Do you feel you switch things up more often in order to stand out from the crowd?
The rise of menswear influencers has made things very exciting and interesting. I enjoy observing influencers as they follow trends and showcase craftsmanship. Personally, I gravitate towards companies and brands that exude elegance and focus on timeless looks and craftsmanship, such as Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Brunello Cucinelli, and SuitSupply.
Which platforms do you predominantly use? Which do you prefer for posting, and for community building?
Instagram is my primary platform, where I focus on creating content that resembles ads or studio content, giving products a more elegant and crisp look.
How does community engagement vary on your chosen platforms?
Community engagement varies depending on the platform and creative direction. My creative direction varies across platforms to best engage with the unique audience each platform attracts:
- Instagram: As my primary platform, I focus on creating polished, high-quality content that resembles studio ads. This includes elegant product shots, artistic close-ups, and meticulously edited videos that highlight the finer details of fashion items. The aesthetic is clean, sophisticated, and visually appealing to maintain a consistent brand image.
- TikTok: Here, I take a more casual and engaging approach, leveraging the platform’s dynamic nature. Content includes behind-the-scenes looks, fashion tips, quick styling videos, and trend-based challenges. The goal is to connect with a younger audience in a fun and relatable manner while maintaining my core values of elegance and quality.
What is your favourite type of content to create, and which works best for your audience? Is there a juxtaposition?
My favorite type of content to create is artistic close-up shots in videos, along with elegant edits that enhance the overall aesthetic.
In your own words and experience, how would you define “influencer marketing”?
Influencer marketing, in my view, involves storytelling through an artistic perspective, creating a sense of “must-have” for a brand, clothing, or accessory, and shaping a lifestyle around them.
Why do you think influencer marketing is so powerful in today’s society?
Influencer marketing is powerful in today’s society because many people base their purchasing decisions on what they see on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Do you have experience working with brands? How do you decide which brands you would like to work with?
I have experience working with brands and prefer to collaborate with those that align with my aesthetic and values. I believe in being honest with brands about my preferences. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with several esteemed brands that align with my aesthetic and values:
- Ralph Lauren Purple Label: Working with Ralph Lauren has been a dream come true, given my personal connection to the brand. I participated in a campaign highlighting their Fall/Winter collection, focusing on the timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship of their pieces.
- Brunello Cucinelli: Collaborating with Brunello Cucinelli involved a campaign showcasing their luxurious cashmere collection. I created a series of Instagram posts and stories that emphasized the tactile quality and artisanal excellence of their products.
- SuitSupply: For SuitSupply, I worked on a campaign that presented their versatile and high-quality suits. The project included both static posts and dynamic video content, demonstrating different looks and styles that can be achieved with their tailored suits.
One of my favorite campaigns was with Brunello Cucinelli. The focus was on their sustainable fashion initiatives and the craftsmanship behind each piece. I created a series of video content that took my audience through the journey of how their garments are made, from the selection of raw materials to the final product. This campaign resonated deeply with my followers, as it combined storytelling with a strong message about sustainability and quality.
How do you foresee the influencer marketing space changing within your niche in the next 12 months?
I foresee the influencer marketing space growing significantly in the next 12 months, as more people spend time on social media platforms and less time watching traditional TV. Beyond the expected growth of the influencer marketing space, there are a few things I hope to see:
- Increased Emphasis on Authenticity: I wish to see a shift towards more authentic and genuine content. As the market becomes saturated, I believe audiences will crave real stories and true connections over highly polished and often unrealistic portrayals.
- Sustainability in Fashion: I hope for a stronger movement towards sustainability within the fashion industry. Influencers have a unique position to advocate for eco-friendly practices and promote brands that prioritize sustainability. I envision a future where sustainable fashion is not just a niche but the norm.
- Diversity and Inclusion: I wish to see greater diversity and inclusion in influencer marketing. This includes not only representation of different cultures, sizes, and backgrounds but also an appreciation for diverse fashion styles and aesthetics. Celebrating individuality and broadening the definition of fashion excellence is something I believe is crucial for the industry’s growth.
Based on your experience, what would you aim to change about the menswear fashion industry?
I don’t aim to change anything about menswear fashion but rather hope for the preservation of craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail amidst technological advancements like AI.
How do you balance your online and offline lives?
Balancing my online and offline lives involves limiting social media time to specific hours, which allows me to focus on work, family, friends, and still enjoy social media.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I see myself fully immersed in influencer marketing, working as a creative director for brands and helping small companies enhance their aesthetic presence on social media.
What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self when starting out as a content creator?
My advice to my younger self would be to remain authentic and true to what I love, avoiding following trends just for the sake of it.
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