Robert Solomon is a dynamic and versatile communications and public relations manager based in Canada, with a rich background in journalism and media relations. His writing and research expertise include interviewing some of the biggest names in the music industry and contributing insightful articles to prestigious publications such as 

, Okayafrica, GRM Daily, GUAP, and many more.

In a hyper-connected world, it feels like everything previously ‘insider’ is more available than ever: from behind-the-scenes access to the lives of public figures to travel experiences immersing people into worlds previously deemed unattainable. But while people embrace this community-based inclusivity and unprecedented access to their icons, they still yearn for touches of exclusivity to define their status.

As the age-old understanding of exclusivity is eroded, people are redefining status for themselves using a broad range of factors beyond solely economic ones. This new iteration of status is often based around increasingly niche and local signifiers – from luxury dupes to the rise of members clubs and closed-community spaces based on shared interests. Status is becoming a mode of belonging and connection with like-minded people.

People are erecting walls of their exclusive communities, relying on more subtle markers of identity. This is apparent with middle-class people fetishising working-class aesthetics, athletes turning to niche sports like padel, and social media groups organising around niche interests – spawning companies. As status-defined micro-trends on social media accelerate, brands face a challenge to keep up. If previously certain legacy items were automatically associated with exclusivity, now people are much more trusting of the UGC-defined vision of what status means. More than ever, speed, knowledge, inventiveness, and being plugged into the community determine what – and who – is in.

Insider Status

Elvis Teme is a Nigerian creative based in Lagos whose interests cut across fashion, music, art, and photography. He works as a media executive and content producer at Abercairn Media, where he helps brands gain visibility through original content and ad placement. He has always believed the world is a huge theatre filled with people craving extraordinary experiences, and this has been his goal at every job he has taken – curating beautiful experiences.

United States

Luxury

Fashion and Style

Harper’s Bazaar

The Guardian

New York Times

Business of Fashion

PR Newswire

Interview with Elvis Teme conducted by author

Vogue Business

Bain & Company

Forbes

Statista

VMagazine

Retail TouchPoints

Highsnobiety

Following Pharell Willams’ appointment as Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, the worlds of fashion and pop culture are becoming increasingly intertwined with fans old and new uniting around this partnership. What does this latest pairing say about the future of luxury fashion?

Archetypes

Magician

Ruler

Louis Vuitton: using pop culture for high fashion 