What I Wore's Jessica Quirk

Tumblr, the image-heavy platform beloved by top fashion bloggers like Tavi Gevinson and Jessica Quirk (What I Wore), is focusing more of its energy on the fashion industry.

In fact, it’s sending more than 20 of its bloggers to New York Fashion Week. Participating Tumblrs include What I Wore; Peace, Love, Chanel; SaraZucker.com. About eight hail from New York, but the rest will be flown in for the nine-day event. They’ll receive complimentary flights, accommodation, and will be whisked off to lunches, dinners, and cocktails with a roster of to-be-confirmed brands and designers. And of course they’ll receive access to several New York Fashion Week shows, says Rich Tong, Tumblr’s newly-annointed fashion director. (Specific shows are also yet-to-be confirmed.) They’ll also be attending the the Independent Fashion Bloggers’ conference, the Bloglovin awards, and an end-of-week party. To make the bloggers’ coverage of events and shows even more visible, Tumblr will host a real-time feed of their content at Tumblr.com/nyfw, mixed in with content from other “media partners.”

Tumblr hired Tong–founder of user-generated street style site Weardrobe–in December. He launched Weardrobe in 2007 and sold it to Like.com in 2009. (Which in turn sold itself to Google in 2010.)

Why does Tumblr need a fashion director? And why do they need to send 20 bloggers–not five or six–to New York Fashion Week? According to Tong, it’s all about the demographic. Tumblr’s fashion bloggers aren’t just personal style bloggers–most are more driven by editorials, runway images, and product shots. “They’re inspiration-based blogs,” says Tong. “They’re not all taking photos of themselves.” And Tumblr fashion bloggers–who Tong says are re-blogged quite a bit–prove valuable to brands. (In case you’re not that familiar with Tumblr, re-blogging other people’s posts is a big part of the experience. And the more you’re reblogged, the more important you are on the Tumblr totem pole.)

“I’ve never seen a community with such an appetite for content,” says Tong. “They just love looking at photos. If you give them 100, they want 1,000.” For brands who want their products, editorials, and other marketing initiatives to go viral on the internet, Tumblr seems like a good platform. See you guys at Fashion Week.


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Comments [148]

It’s great that he understands how people use tumblr. It’s a lot like having a blogspot, but it truly is inspiration based. I used mine as a scrapbook, and I really don’t mind who reads i t(although, admittedly, reblogs still make me giddy.)

Lets see if we can get some more followers, although it seems too late to score a free trip to NYFW: http://www.rococore.tumblr.com

It’s great that he understands how people use tumblr. It’s a lot like having a blogspot, but it truly is inspiration based. I used mine as a scrapbook, and I really don’t mind who reads i t(although, admittedly, reblogs still make me giddy.)

Lets see if we can get some more followers, although it seems too late to score a free trip to NYFW: http://www.rococore.tumblr.com

I think I just passed out of jealousy.

One of the bloggers is my sister. Guess how I feel. haha.

super awesome. so jealous!

So excited! Can’t wait to meet everyone :)

be still my heart! fashion week is the dreamiest of dreams! i swoon for such an event. i had the honor of attending a few years ago and have been itching to return.

That is awesome! There are so many great Fashion Blogs on tumblr one of my favorites right now is http://blackstuddedfashion.tumblr.com I love the fashion and beauty advice there

WhoreTalk, and her companion blog, CokeTalk are among my favorite things to read, like of all time, and contain tongue-in-cheek realistic fashion advice. Don’t be put off, have faith.

Omg! Coketalk is going. I didn’t even know.

Omg! Coketalk is going. I didn’t even know.

Very cool to see Tumblr embrace it’s fashion community!

Giuseppe
Tumblr: http://www.meninthistown.com

Did you take all these? They’re stunning! Followed you.

Thanks :) I take the Sydney based photos.

Why would Jessica Quirk be invited? Ruins any validity of this event.

Peace Love Chanel? That girl is fashion retarded. She just reblogs pictures of knockoffs and doesn’t know the difference.

do something better and reply w/ your tumblr please.

If the 20+ bloggers were wisely chosen, and not just based on popularity, all this negative energy wouldn’t exist.

thats not an answer to what i asked. suggest “wiser” ones right here and i’ll consider. i’m leaving some slots TBD.

I would love if you could check out my tumblr, http://www.meninthistown.com :)

Love your tumblr!

I actually talk about fashion, which is what a fashion blogger does, instead of showing pictures of brands everyone has seen – http://tdrheartsny.tumblr.com/

http://loublog.tumblr.com/

Some of these blogs are better than mine, but even though I don’t post much original content, I think it is well edited. And I live in New York! ;)

You should definitely check out Blackstuddedfashion http://blackstuddedfashion.tumblr.com I love reading her Blog she has great Fashion tips

How about http://princesspoochie.tumblr.com/ (www.shoedaydreams.com)?

Please please please check out my blog! I’m a younger blogger from South East London, which is depicted as a bad area with crime, drugs, etc. I’m trying to display that there is good in my area! This isnt a sob story, just give me a chance! Going to NYFW would be a dream come true, an unforgettable learning experience and so much more to me!. And plus I actually write about fashion, unlike many other popular tumblr blogs that re-blog pictures.

yay! I’m excited about this! Love Jess, Sara Weardrobe and Rich was really sweet when i met him at IFB in 2009 too!!

wow i never knew reblogging pictures ( normally without credit) would get you a trip nyfw

I know right? And here the rest of us are, being bitched at for being style bloggers. At least that involves some semblance of any work. Instead of copy paste and enlarge. Maybe it’s just sour grapes from my side.

You’re so right on this. These “fashion cultivators” who just copy and paste for inspiration are the most non-inspirational blogs I’ve ever seen. Do your own work. Take your own pictures. Make your own mark.
Now they’re being rewarded? Someone should have thought this through.

And of course, showing inspiration is fine, but I’ve found that many times, that is the whole point of the tumblr. What’s the point if there’s no action that follows?

Wow, this is amazing! A big congrats to the lucky folks! I hope they have a ball ! I’m following a few of the people mentioned.

My fave fashion Tumblrs with good content are:
thebuttonowl.tumblr.com (amazing young writer)
and wetheurban.com
My indie fashion blog is also on Tumblr… http://showcaseedge.tumblr.com

-Madia

wetheurban is great <3

Too bad almost all of the tumblrs that got picked are ones that blog photos of starbucks coffee, girls in ripped jean shorts and a tank, and victoria’s secret pink. They wouldn’t know a Givenchy from a Gaultier.

how do you know all the blogs post that? there are some seriously talented people in the bunch such as textbook and whatiwore. and next to all of the other bloggers going post nothing of what you have described. the people chosen obviously enjoy fashion and that’s what it’s all about, loving fashion, not everyone knows everything and this will be an excellent learning experience, even for a person who thinks they know everything will learn a LOT.

I guess you haven’t seen the whole list.

actually, i have.

actually, i have.

I guess you haven’t seen the whole list.

Agree. But, is loving fashion enough to get you to fashion week? Does EVERY one of the 203734876097 bloggers out there “love” fashion week? I don’t suppose there’s anyone who doesn’t. Then where is the person credited to being better than the rest?

This is a promotion. When promotions are done with products, they don’t give a free one to every single potential consumer, just some. The sour grapes are unattractive, regardless of the integrity of the bloggers attending.

This is a promotion. When promotions are done with products, they don’t give a free one to every single potential consumer, just some. The sour grapes are unattractive, regardless of the integrity of the bloggers attending.

I don’t mean you – I’ve seen your blog and you actually have a broad range of fashion knowledge than just Chanel and you seem genuinely interested in fashion. But to pick crappy tumblrs that just post random stuff about fashion without actually knowing anything about it is stupid and kind of a slap in the face to those of us that only talk about that and would kill for the chance to go to fashion week.

I don’t mean you – I’ve seen your blog and you actually have a broad range of fashion knowledge than just Chanel and you seem genuinely interested in fashion. But to pick crappy tumblrs that just post random stuff about fashion without actually knowing anything about it is stupid and kind of a slap in the face to those of us that only talk about that and would kill for the chance to go to fashion week.

I don’t mean you – I’ve seen your blog and you actually have a broad range of fashion knowledge than just Chanel and you seem genuinely interested in fashion. But to pick crappy tumblrs that just post random stuff about fashion without actually knowing anything about it is stupid and kind of a slap in the face to those of us that only talk about that and would kill for the chance to go to fashion week.

Yes, a blog like papertissue is sooo deserving to go to fashion week – I’m on page 20 and have seen NO fashion related posts, but oh, plenty of cats and forests pictures. Great job tumblr.

Honey, we both know enjoying fashion is not what this is about.

good idea. we should bring them paris to the givenchy and gaultier shows in paris so they can have a better look. london, paris and milan are all on deck.

I’d like to know your criteria for choosing bloggers for this. They’re reblogged a lot? Got a lot of followers? Know a lot about fashion?

I agree. How did you choose them? Quantity doesn’t guarantee quality. Neither do reblogs.

i just replied to your email, explaining.

i just replied to your email, explaining.

I just emailed you as well!

Misscheriedior would have been a great choice! Incredibly beautiful work!

I would also like to know the criteria for choosing bloggers

Hey I tipped you guys about this! glad you wrote an article about it! and congratulations to all chosen tumblrers!

Lol this is such a joke, waste of sponsor funds. Sure it’s a great opportunity for these people, who post uncredited pictures of macaroons and cool triangles. What about the kids on tumblr who don’t have over 10,000 followers but are extremely passionate and knowledgeable about this industry? The chosen blogs know little to nothing, and it’s just sad that people who actually care about the industry and every aspect of it don’t get to go instead of these blogs go got popular by bribing others to recommend them in exchange for promotion. Have fun.

RE: “people who actually care…”?

and their tumblrs are?

i’d take the criticism to heart if someone here in the comments told me exactly who i’m leaving out here that deserves to go. anyone? i’ll make slots just for them.

alright then take a look at:
http://glaringweakness.tumblr.com/
http://miror.tumblr.com/
http://misscheriedior.tumblr.com/
http://lavandula.tumblr.com/

I don’t know any of them personally, but it’s obvious they have a lot of knowledge about the industry and deserve to go.

Check these tumblrs out they deserve to go:
cocochic.tumblr.com
blackstuddedfashion.tumblr.com
dirtylittlestylewhoree.tumblr.com

Check these tumblrs out they deserve to go:
cocochic.tumblr.com
blackstuddedfashion.tumblr.com
dirtylittlestylewhoree.tumblr.com

just wondering, is the last one a joke..?

Thank you! I am going, hah :)

This is a promotion. When promotions are done with products, they don’t give a free one to every single potential consumer.

This is a promotion. When promotions are done with products, they don’t give a free one to every single potential consumer.

test

i saw your previous comment before it was flagged lol. i can see exactly where you’re coming from and i can say that since finding out i am going i have spoken a lot with the other bloggers who are attending and i can safely say they all have a sound knowledge of the fashion industry. :)

lol ok, i guess they just use their blogs to hide how much they know :)

i love your blog by the way :) x

I have a near encyclopedic knowledge of the current fashion industry and costume history, and yet it isn’t all I talk about on my blog, you might hardly see much of it at all, because my interests are wide. Just because these people have other interests or talking points, or a personal aesthetic that doesn’t appeal to you (which is what I suspect most of these comments are really about) doesn’t mean others are more deserving of their place.

I have a near encyclopedic knowledge of the current fashion industry and costume history, and yet it isn’t all I talk about on my blog, you might hardly see much of it at all, because my interests are wide. Just because these people have other interests or talking points, or a personal aesthetic that doesn’t appeal to you (which is what I suspect most of these comments are really about) doesn’t mean others are more deserving of their place.

Why are my comments flagged? I think this is really unfair. Sorry for having an opinion ~

We didn’t flag them, so you’re still able to comment.

i’m lyk rly happy 4 dem~

Hi,

My name is Tay and I’m kinda new to this blog thingy. Unfortunately, I missed the bandwagon on the tumblr phenomenon and picked another platform : (

But please do check out my shit cuz its awesome…
http://taytrong.posterous.com/

ps11 – congrats to the 20 to NYFW; hope to see you guys around and please edit your outfits accordingly or I’ll take pics n’ post.

So a fashion degree and hours of interning mean absolutely nothing? Good to know.

if you wanna intern and help out on this one, i’ll make sure you get into the same shows the rest get into. email me. rich@tumblr.com.

Where did my response to Rich Tong go? Was it too long? Here is my gist.
1. You hired the wrong people. You should have chosen photographers or writers who show an ability to capture.
2. I don’t have a degree. I am studying professional writing and am currently in my second year. I have completed two internships up until this point. I am paying my dues and will one day be at New York Fashion Week because of my experience and talent not because of my Tumblr. (I do have a tumblr. I don’t take my tumblr seriously, it acts as a scrapbook)
3. Thank you for the offer. I hope others take you up on it. I am volunteering at Toronto’s Fashion week because I don’t think I am ready for NYFW just yet.

You’re very gracious, sir.

You’re very gracious, sir.

Wow! That sounds amazing.

My Tumblr: meeraheartsfashion.tumblr.com
My Blogspot Blog: momentswithmeera.blogspot.com

Seems like they missed the http://www.theperfectpairing.tumblr.com hmmmm maybe next year?

This is such an awesome opportunity for the bloggers! A big congratulations to one and all. While we are on the tumblr topic, I came across this interesting male fashion blog on tumblr too: http://thefetchblog.tumblr.com from someone in Singapore. The weekly fetch people segment is awesome. Good looking stylish guys galore. Street fashion with a punch! If only I was in Singapore!

far from the best selection in my opinion.

Good of you to acknowledge that it’s your opinion. Others speak as though a departure from their personal taste should disqualify these writers from attending.

Good of you to acknowledge that it’s your opinion. Others speak as though a departure from their personal taste should disqualify these writers from attending.

Congratulations to everyone going. I guess you can’t please everyone. I wish I was on the list. I almost made it last year, but my plans were crushed by an idiot drunk driver.

http://emmicamille.tumblr.com

Honestly? I think I deserve to go. I’m an absolute fashionphile. tumblr – adreamwithinadream13.tumblr.com

Honestly? I think I deserve to go. I’m an absolute fashionphile. tumblr – adreamwithinadream13.tumblr.com

Honestly? I think I deserve to go. I’m an absolute fashionphile. tumblr – adreamwithinadream13.tumblr.com

Congratulations to the very lucky (and talented!) Tumblr’s! Rich, if you still need/would like an Australian-based fashion-enthusiastic blogger with a sense of humour, I’m your girl! ;)

corrine@frockandrollonline.com

I would have thought that they would send people who had a real flare for fashion, like people who write articles or want to be designers. I’ve seen so many of those on tumblr, really good people and yet they aren’t going. But people who just find images on the internet then post them are going and i wonder where the fairness is in that and wether they really are deserving of it. I may sound nasty but i get the feeling they’ve just been picked from a list because their tumblr’s are popular when really they are just the same as many other people’s but somehow got more followers. Also some tumblr owners are under 18 surely that is going to cause some problems?

You guys may be going this year but one day you’ll be sat watching one of my runway shows :)

lulabelleandlove.tumblr.com

That girl bryanne who posted blackstuddedfashion that blog writes posts of content they give fashion and beauty advice why isn’t someone like that going to fashion week people that were listed to go just post pictures with no advice.

Not sure of this link works: Tumblr.com/nyfw

Usually tumblr webbies follow the format: http://nyfw.tumblr.com ?

i just have to agree with the majority. they chose those who are popular. i dont even know if they own or wear those clothes they’ve reblogged or posted. i really have to agree that they should also give fashion advices at least. those people would definitely understand fashion week more.

but obviously the decision has been made, so here’s the thing, after going to the events mentioned.. pls.,pretty pls.. make your tumblr worthy already, I mean make some improvements, so that there won’t be any of this comments anymore =)

what a dream come true! i think it’s such an incredible opportunity for the people that get to go, think of all the amazing photos that will be taken, and different perspectivesi would just pass out from joy if i was chosen, congrats to everyone that has been! cannot wait to see the results

photoaday.tumblr.com

Who cares who goes. I mean really, indeed half of these bloggers are a joke, but due to that, once they go their ignorance will shine. Just because someone gets to go to fashion week and meet interesting people doesn’t mean they are automatically going to become famous, receive job interviews and have all the right connections. It takes more than a trip and luncheon with a designer or editor to become something. And more than likely half of these girls will just have their 5 minutes of fame and then go back to their basements and most pictures of UgGs and ChAANeL~~~

Of curse it’s not about “become famous, receive job interviews and have all the right connections.” it’s the chance that they actually get to go to NYFW. This is huge. Their ignorance means nothing, they’ll still be sitting at huge shows like rag and bone or Marc Jacobs.

A community that hardly has any original content within it decides to send 20 of its best users of Google image search to fashion week. Funny.

thanks to Leah, I’m obsessed with this now…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0k1epVvslo

Yeah, I’m voting for Emma Stone for president.

I’m really enjoying this big cluster-fuck of comments. Nothing spreads faster than jealousy and envy.

It’s not the 20′s fault that they got chosen so instead of directing all your energy on this write-up, spend time on thinking up of ideas on how you can be more awesome or better at increasing your exposure, even if you’re out there in BFE Kansas.

There are a lot of injustice in this world but you just have to suck it up and move on. Really, there more important issues to mull over, like the sale going on at Martin Margiela.

iKnowYouCanDoItSoQuitBitchingAndDoSomethingMoreMeaningful.tumblr.com

But what do you call it when some of the people who comment here actually attend fashion week season after season?

What do you mean James? I’m not against what you said, I agree with it 100%

Just saying, sometimes things aren’t said out of jealous or envy. Sometimes it’s out of disappointment in how and where things are going.

I feel you man but the tone of some of the comments do come off that way. Everyone should cut Rich some slack; he’s just trying to do his job the best way he can or knows how to, even if that means not knowing how to, to some.

Judging by the number of comments so far, it’s like the end of the world for some of these people. NYFW week is not that big of a deal. (with the exception of Olivier Theyskens and Proenza) If you really want to dream big, set your sights on ParisFW, that’s where it’s at.

I’m not speaking directly to you but if things aren’t going the way they should for some of you, change yourself, improve, increase your aura and chi.

I’m not prettier, wealthier, more connected or popular than most but I think I have found my place in this world and it’s a good fit.

Sure, I get disappointed at how things are done sometimes but

if you send positive vibes out into the universe, you will get positive back, sometimes tenfold.

“There are a lot of injustice in this world but you just have to suck it up and move on. Really, there more important issues to mull over, like the sale going on at Martin Margiela.”

I think I may be in love with you.

I don’t know you but too bad you’re not hosted by tumblr cuz your blog is definitely better than some of the 20 who were picked.

Also, can you increase the font size of all the stuff at the bottom of each listing because it took me forever to find the comment link.

ps11 – You will be receiving an invoice for quoting me.

i love you rashy

If you love me that much, can you get me into the Proenza show?

rash i am afraid i have no sway in that matter. i have never been to a proenza show meself!

I’m getting ready to see 127 Hours…

I’m so insanely jealous! What an amazing opportunity/dream come true.

the way the lucky chosen ones are questionable but nonetheless nothing can be changed. lets all move on now.

http://www.vanity-kills.tumblr.com

I find it warped that people are using this to put down the tumblrs that got chosen. They got chosen because they have knowledge and would soak the most up from being in the atmosphere of NYFW, not because they can find the best pictures for people to reblog.

Actually it even says above it’s because they get the most reblogs, so just have more followers than some.

Actually it even says above it’s because they get the most reblogs, so just have more followers than some.

Um, that is exactly why (a majority) of them were chosen

It’s true, it can be pretty upsetting seeing that you were not chosen as one of the 20 lucky tumblr’s, but honestly what is all the negativity towards them going to do? Get you to fashion week? Somehow revoke their position they have received? I highly doubt it. It’s normal to deep down feel upset about it (I do, as do everyone else here that is picking on the tumblr’s that were chosen, if you weren’t upset you wouldn’t be passionate about fashion.) All you can do is wish them luck and hope that something amazing like this could happen to you eventually, negativity never got anyone nowhere.

http://demurecure.tumblr.com/

oh how i would love to go to fashion week. congrats, to all the bloggers chosen. i hope they truly enjoy and know what an honor this is. i myself am studying fashion and being able to go to NY fashion week or london, paris & milan would be the greatest experience but even more helpful in my career goals.

zygomatic.tumblr.com

oh how i would love to go to fashion week. congrats, to all the bloggers chosen. i hope they truly enjoy and know what an honor this is. i myself am studying fashion and being able to go to NY fashion week or london, paris & milan would be the greatest experience but even more helpful in my career goals.

zygomatic.tumblr.com

oh how i would love to go to fashion week. congrats, to all the bloggers chosen. i hope they truly enjoy and know what an honor this is. i myself am studying fashion and being able to go to NY fashion week or london, paris & milan would be the greatest experience but even more helpful in my career goals.

zygomatic.tumblr.com

I’m happy for the people who are going, but I have to agree with what others have said about those who have blogs specifically dedicated to fashion perhaps being more deserving.

Who I think really deserves to go:

http://glaringweakness.tumblr.com/
http://miror.tumblr.com/
http://misscheriedior.tumblr.com/
http://lavandula.tumblr.com/

maybe he wanted to give smaller blogs a chance? either way, i am agreeing with rashy in that rude comments won’t solve anything. positive energy will get you further in life.