Fashion Police is an Istagram account that has caused a lot of stir in the world of Social Media in Egypt. They take a sarcastic approach in criticizing people in the fashion world. While some think it’s funny and on point, others see it as bullying and uncalled for. We talk to the people behind this account to find out more!
What made you start fashion police EG?
We are team of young aspiring friends and we noticed the amount of people on Social Media who gained huge following thinking they were fashion icons or fashion Gods. The idea of “Fashion Police” was inspired by worldwide fashion scenes. The main problem with these “Fashionistas” is that people follow them blindly and are actually “influenced” by them to the extent that they even call themselves “influencers”, a word that is not even in the English dictionary. We take a sarcastic, cynical approach because we want it to be funny without meaning to be disrespectful.
“If fashion critique becomes a thing, the fashion industry in Cairo will be blessed with a reason for people who are truly passionate about fashion to do more effort and strive to become successful.”
Do you think Egyptians, or specifically Egyptian fashion bloggers and celebrities are ready for fashion police?
No! Generally no one likes to be criticized, especially in Egypt where Fashion as an industry is still shaping up. The problem is most of the people in the fashion field and celebrities think that they are on the right track based on the amount of positive feedback they get. We are faced with aggressive feedback on most of our posts and some featured people actually block us. However, some of the featured people take our posts very lightly and even joke around with us about their own fashion mistakes.
Do you believe there is such a thing as being too harsh?
No, we believe there is always ways to convey our messages without being rude and followers are free to interpret our posts in their own ways. A fashion statement is a fashion statement, so is fashion critique.
Did you ever get complaints from people you have made fun of?
All the time, but we understand that the mentality here is not familiar with the perception of fashion police yet. So it is our role, as being the pioneers in Cairo, to introduce this concept correctly.
“The main problem with these “Fashionistas” is that people follow them blindly and are actually “influenced” by them to the extent that they even call themselves “influencers”, a word that is not even in the English dictionary.”
Do you think fashion critics will start to emerge or become a “thing” in Egypt now?
We can feel that already, many people are interested in what we do and we get indirect messages from fans applauding and encouraging us to continue. If fashion critique becomes a thing, the fashion industry in Cairo will be blessed with a reason for people who are truly passionate about fashion to do more effort and strive to become successful.
Is anything off limits for you?
Anything away from the context of fashion would be off limits.
What’s next for you?
We have expansion plans for 2016 and we are currently focusing on featuring the true fashion inspirations in the field that deserve attention, not only the fashion crimes or mistakes.
“The problem with Egyptians is not just the fact that they imitate, but also the fact that they get obsessed with trends!”
Do you ever plan or revealing who is behind this?
(Laughs) That would spoil it, no. Maybe in another life!
Do you think Egyptians ruin trends by over doing it?
Of course, Egyptians ruin and over-do everything on so many levels. The problem with Egyptians is not just the fact that they imitate, but also the fact that they get obsessed with trends!
It is important for the Z- Generation to be careful from what they allow themselves to be subjected to on Social Media and have the power to choose what or who influences them.
