Before TikTok: History's ORIGINAL Influencers
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 "aut