Unveiling the Fascination: Why We Can’t Get Enough of Fashion, Food, and Trendy Girl Culture

After a long day at work, I finally settled on my bed, ready to scroll through TikTok. It’s 6 PM, and I can’t help but notice the food content taking over my feed. I’ve spotted Dua Lipa sipping pickle juice Diet Coke and Gabbriette Bechtel whipping up a cottage pie. Is this truly my normal feed, or is my stomach influencing the algorithm? Whatever the reason, one trend is becoming hard to ignore: the blend of food and fashion, especially among style-savvy influencers.

Among these influencers, Nara Smith has really made a name for herself. She became an internet sensation by making everything from cough drops to spaghetti hoops from scratch in her chic kitchen. But what catches many people’s attention, aside from her culinary skills, is her incredible fashion sense. Her outfits often feature luxurious, runway-ready labels that elevate her cooking videos to a new level.

Comments on her latest posts reveal her impact. One follower joked, “All I could focus on was the Schiaparelli dress,” while another quipped about her outfit, saying, “So no aprons, just bomb ass attire to cook 😂❤️.” Recently, she collaborated with Ferragamo, creating delicious panna cotta while dressed in a stunning deep red, scalloped dress. In one humorous skit, she ‘baked’ a Marc Jacobs tote in the oven, showcasing her playful side. While some criticize her content as “trad-wife cosplay,” her unique style makes it hard to determine whether people are drawn to her fashion or her food.

Fashion and food have always had a connection, dating back to 1937 when Elsa Schiaparelli created her famous Lobster dress. This dramatic piece featured a lobster design, illustrating the intersections of art, fashion, and culinary themes. Today, it seems like there’s a resurgence in fashion-focused cooking, and you might wonder why. Are we returning to traditional gender roles, or is it more about merging different lifestyle trends?

In my opinion, it’s not about going back to ‘trad-wife’ culture but rather a response to the pandemic. During lockdown, celebrities had more time to share their cooking adventures. Watching them in their kitchens became a comforting routine for many, similar to my daily doses of Florence Pugh’s Instagram cooking stories. Now that life is opening up again, there’s a renewed interest in healthy living, which naturally includes enjoying and celebrating food.

This shift has given rise to trending concepts like ‘tomato-girl summer’ and ‘girl dinner,’ which emphasize intuitive eating and joy in our food choices. According to Shakaila Forbes-Bell, a consumer insights psychologist, this trend reflects a broader lifestyle aesthetic for Gen Z. Today’s audience wants to see a full picture of a celebrity’s life — their meals, outfits, and even their homes, all captured in a single TikTok video.

Brands are keenly aware of this shift. Many luxury labels, like Prada Café in Harrods and Anya Hindmarch’s ice cream shop, are diving into the culinary world. This strategy allows consumers to indulge in the luxury of high fashion without the steep price tag of designer clothes. Everyone might not be able to afford a $33,000 Hermès bag, but enjoying a fancy coffee or pastry is much more accessible.

Forbes-Bell notes that today’s influencers blur the lines between everyday life and high fashion, enticing consumers to embrace this new lifestyle. Given the current economic climate, where young adults increasingly live with their parents due to rising living costs, it makes sense that many seek little indulgences to brighten their days. Treating yourself to a stylish café experience feels valuable in these challenging times.

As celebrities continue to share their culinary creations alongside their fashion choices, the popularity of food-centric content is likely to grow. It’s an exciting time where food and fashion intersect, making it more accessible than ever for fans to engage with their favorite influencers. So to all the fashion-food girlies out there: keep those cooking videos coming because I’m here for every single bite!