Join me, Dr Julia Martins, as I uncover the surprising and extensive history of influencers, long before social media even existed! This video explores how the curated personas, strategic networking, and monetized lifestyles we see on TikTok and Instagram today have deep roots in royal courts, the world of fashionable dandies, and influential intellectual salons. Using the recent Met Gala's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," as a fascinating entry point, I examine how individuals throughout history mastered the art of personal branding to gain power and shape culture.

Discover how royal courts, particularly Louis XIV's Versailles, functioned as the original exclusive platforms where visibility meant power, and carefully crafted appearances were paramount. I'll show you how aristocratic portraits and royal patronage were the precursors to today's meticulously posed selfies and brand deals, and how concepts like Castiglione's sprezzatura (effortless chic) are mirrored in the "authenticity" cultivated by modern influencers. I also touch upon how figures like Marie Antoinette wielded fashion as a tool of influence, with far-reaching economic and social consequences.

Then, I investigate the rise of the dandy, figures like the iconic Beau Brummell, who were perhaps the first truly independent image creators, dictating taste through sheer force of persona rather than noble birth. More importantly, I highlight the powerful and subversive history of Black dandyism, exploring how it became a radical act of self-creation, challenging racist societal expectations and redefining style as a form of resistance.

The journey continues as I introduce you to the salonnières of the 18th and 19th centuries, women like Madame de Staël and Madame Geoffrin. These original "content curators" and community managers created vital centers of intellectual and cultural influence, much like today's successful podcast hosts or online community builders, proving that the drive to connect and share ideas has always been a powerful force. Throughout this exploration of fashion history and cultural studies, you'll see the striking parallels between historical status performers and today's digital tastemakers, from Machiavelli's understanding of public perception to the timeless art of appearing genuine while being strategic.

If you're fascinated by history, fashion, the evolution of personal branding, or want to understand the historical precedents for our current influencer culture, this video connects the dots. Learn how the game of influence has been played for centuries, just with different tools.