Almost every time I open a social media app, I get sucked into a cycle of mindless scrolling.
Between all the IG style pages, Pinterest vision boards, YouTube hauls, and TikTok unboxings, it’s hard to get bored in the luxury lifestyle space because it feels like there’s always something new to see.
I’m usually pretty good about bringing myself back down to Earth by asking how many bags are too many or if the item I currently desire is something I even need; but lately, my fascination with luxury purely for luxury’s sake has become so strong that I often catch myself wondering how much time I’ve spent sitting around wishing for more.
Honestly, I don’t know when these massive luxury collections became the norm, but as someone who has (a) watched the luxury content space grow over the last 15 years and (b) is technically a content creator themselves, I realize that even I’m not immune to their allure.
But I also know a lot goes on behind the scenes of how influencers can afford to buy so much stuff ﹘brand deals, tax write-offs, and industry benefits are abound﹘ and most creators have probably taken advantage of a few.
The real secret is that these types of perks are available for anyone savvy enough to make use of them.
So next time you catch yourself mid-scroll, wondering how your favorite influencers live such a charmed glamourous life, try to keep a few things in mind:
Brand Deals
It’s no secret that many big influencers use brand deals to advance their position, but paid partnerships between brands and influencers with smaller audiences (called micro-influencers) also exist.
That sounds shady on the surface but these deals can actually help small creators by providing them with products, funds, or non-monetary incentives needed to create content their audience actually wants to see.
Even I’ve been approached by small jewelry brands looking for me to snap pictures of their products while I’m traveling abroad. And I have less than 500 Instagram followers!
The deals are indeed out there.
(I’ve always politely declined.)
Tax Write-Offs
Tax write-offs are a legitimate way for any small business owner (like influencers, bloggers, YouTubers, etc.) to reduce their taxable income. All that saved money can really add up, which can then be used to purchase more things that can also be written off to keep the business going. These write-offs can cover expenses for travel, phone/internet, clothing and beauty products, etc.
I know it all sounds like a dream, but there are many rules that must be followed, so one doesn’t end up in hot water with the IRS. For this reason, informed creators always wait to get the green light from a tax consultant (around the second or third year in business) before rushing off to snap fashionable photos in Paris.
(The money I earn as a freelancer actually goes towards my graduate degree because I get a tax write-off for ‘continued education’ in my field. Cool, right?)
Industry Benefits
The best way to get freebies, discounts, or access to opportunities is by working within the niche, at least for a period of time.
By positioning themselves closer to the source, aspiring influencers and creators are able to gain knowledge and establish themselves as a familiar face (and eventually a thought leader) in the industry of their choosing.
There’s a reason a lot of popular fashion TikTokers have day jobs as fashion interns or assistants ﹘ because they get invited to the parties, the fittings, and the photoshoots that everyone wants to see!
Of course, all these fabulous benefits arrive on the back of hard work, but in my experience, they’re hardly out of reach.
These are the legal/legitimate ways.
Then there are the ones committing identity theft and stealing credit cards to keep up appearances.
There are a few that have also been seen on escort websites or arrangement type sites.
All for what? To portray themselves a certain way to an audience that feels like they could never achieve such things therefore lowering their esteem.
It’s all so toxic. Especially when those who follow them are already so easily influenced.
Sad world we live in.
I have met some sugar babies who go out with guys 40-50years older just to keep up with the influencers, including celebrities like the Kardarsians.
Or the children of the super wealthy. People need to realize early on to stay in your lane. I can’t afford all the bags and I recognize that.
Also, why is it important to people to have so much luxury? It doesn’t change what people think about them.
Peggy Sue- it does change how some people perceive them but those people and those perceptions shouldn’t matter
I am so glad I grew up before the “influencer” generation because this need to be the center of attention at all times is pathetic. So is this urge to amass these ridiculously large amounts of “luxury” goods (which are in reality mostly overpriced items for mass consumption disguised as luxury).
You forgot buying super fakes and buying the packaging on eBay.
You forgot to include that they borrow bags from friends for photoshoots.
This has to do with the over-expansion of the brands. The number of retail stores, e-commerce, the number of collections… The production is certainly far more than what they are trying to imply – limited and rare.
I understand they need to work with the influencers to push their (mass-produced) products.
I just hope they can select the influencers a little more carefully.
It went from gifting to handing out now. From “Top tier” luxury brands that I have never seen it coming.
Most of them have a mix. 1-2 bags are real and the rest are from DHgate. They are considered luxury influencers so most people won’t question the bags.