We all know her. We all love her. Pinterest is the season's social media, and it is time we talk about it. The social media app, Pinterest, was first launched in March 2010 to a small, private group. It was a strict, invite-only membership app, but opened to the public in August of 2012. The name was created because you are “pinning” your interests or things that inspire you onto a virtual board. The goal of the app was to bring people offline but still allow them to foster their creativity. But why is it so loved over ten years after its release?
The first and, in my opinion, the most important reason why Pinterest is still thriving is because it is social media without the negativity. As we have grown, social media has become a place to harbor negativity. Many people find it okay to direct hate towards other people’s pictures and views without even knowing them all because they can hide behind a screen. Pinterest takes the fun of scrolling and looking at content and eliminates the opportunity for negativity. As mentioned earlier, the goal of Pinterest is to acquire things that make you happy. You create your boards and feed and, in turn, it eliminates the stress of comments, likes, and views, because everything is so personal. But why is it so crucial to the fashion industry? I’m so glad you asked.
via Un rincón mágico on Pinterest
The beauty of Pinterest being a public forum is that it allows everyone to upload things they like and recirculate them throughout the app. In turn, Pinterest is a fabulous tool for forecasting the latest trends. In addition to allowing people to create their own content, the app’s software tracks the number of searches and clicks on different topics and trends and then pushes them further up the algorithm. They also follow keyword clicks, which, in essence, just means that they track what words are getting searched the most. This allows for a faster read on what is the next up-and-coming trend. The app also monitors things like seasonal patterns and will forecast trends based on information found and saved from prior years.
Another reason the app is a vital tool for fashion is because it can connect the user directly to the industry. As the program has evolved it has allowed users to click on the pin they saved and see details about the items pictured. Oftentimes, the picture details will include links to websites or storefronts where people can purchase the item they pinned to their board. Pinterest has allowed people to be able to directly capture their fashion vision. It eliminates the struggle of having to find pieces that look like the ones you saved because you can now purchase them as you save them. It has made online shopping even more efficient. Additionally, the algorithm will show you other recommended pieces that it thinks you will like based on the activity you interact with. Soon the user is building their dream wardrobe and they don’t even have to switch out of the app.
via Mia Griffiths
In that same vein, Pinterest has also created a new job for those brave enough to face the challenge. Creators like Mia Griffiths and KG have started promoting a new concept called style boxes. These boxes are tailored perfectly for the client based on what they pin on their Pinterest Board. The creator charges for a certain amount of clothes or a certain package size and then thrift clothes that they think are most represented on their clients’ boards. It is a fun new way for people to get new clothes while all the while, taking out the hassle of trying to find it yourself. The idea is still relatively new and takes time because each box is curated specifically for each client, but in theory, this may be a new favorite way to shop.
via kgillian
Pinterest is so much more than just pretty pictures on a page. It’s a portal to different worlds and can be incredibly immersive when used correctly. Don’t be shy, go make a Pinterest board today. Who knows, you may just become the next style icon.
By Abigail Moynihan
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