The “Instagram versus reality” panel, part of the Vogue Forces of Fashion series in collaboration with Ajio, was held at the Leap Club in Mumbai. The discussion featured Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India; stylist Ami Patel; and designer Shubhika Sharma. The conversation delved into the evolving influence of social media on the fashion industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, resilience, and community support in the digital age. Rochelle Pinto highlighted the significance of embracing vulnerability and learning from challenges, stating, “Being able to put yourself in uncomfortable situations and not being afraid to fail is so important.” She also introduced the concept of becoming “unembarrassable,” encouraging individuals to own their narratives without fear of judgment. Ami Patel emphasized the role of sisterhood in the fashion industry, advocating for mutual support among professionals. She remarked, “To me, sisterhood on socials would mean standing up for someone, especially another stylist… or someone’s business,” highlighting the need for uplifting one another in both personal and professional spheres. Embrace the power of being unshakably confident—when you can laugh at yourself, no one else can use your vulnerabilities against you,” she noted. For Patel, the concept of sisterhood was a guiding force throughout her professional journey. “To me, sisterhood on social media means advocating for others, especially fellow stylists or entrepreneurs,” she explained, highlighting the importance of mutual support in both personal and professional realms. At a recent panel discussion, Shubhika Sharma, the creative force behind Papa Don’t Preach, emphasized the importance of aligning one’s actions with their aspirations. She highlighted how platforms like Instagram have been instrumental in expanding her professional network, noting that the effectiveness of such tools lies in their usage.Ragini Das, co-founder of Leap Club, shared her perspective on success, underscoring the value of authenticity and mutual support among women. She believes that consistently showing up, being genuine, and uplifting one another are key elements in navigating the fashion industry. As the conversation concluded, there was a collective agreement among the women present that resilience, camaraderie, and inner strength are essential in carving out one’s path in the world of fashion.
