Taste-maker

A taste-maker is an individual or entity that significantly influences trends and preferences, especially in areas like fashion, music, food, art, and design. They possess a discerning eye and often predict or shape what becomes popular, establishing cultural norms and impacting consumer choices. Their opinions and endorsements carry weight, and they are frequently early adopters of emerging trends. Taste-makers can be individuals with a strong personal brand, critics, editors, curators, or organizations like influential media outlets and design houses. Their work cultivates a certain aesthetic or set of values.

Taste-maker meaning with examples

• The celebrity chef, known for his innovative flavor combinations, became a true taste-maker in the culinary world. His restaurant's menu and cookbooks consistently set new standards, influencing restaurant owners and home cooks globally. His endorsements of ingredients and techniques had a significant impact on market trends. Each appearance on television sent sales of his products through the roof.
• Magazines like Vogue have long been taste-makers in fashion, dictating seasonal trends through runway coverage and editorial content. Their editors wield considerable power, as featured designers often achieve mainstream popularity due to this coveted exposure, shaping how people dress and accessorize. Their selection of models also has a strong effect.
• Influential music critics and online music blogs act as taste-makers, shaping the landscape of the industry by introducing emerging artists and genres. Their reviews can catapult an artist to stardom or keep them from becoming popular. Their playlists often become the must-listen music for many, with music executives also keeping a close watch.
• Museum curators act as taste-makers in the art world, selecting which works are exhibited and which artists gain recognition. The exhibits have strong influences on what gets collected and considered great art in the future. Their choices are closely watched by the broader art market.
• Interior design firms and architects function as taste-makers by defining and popularizing certain styles and aesthetics in home décor and architecture. Their projects often influence trends in the style and layout of homes. The designs and materials used by them also are copied in different forms.