Tastemongers
Tastemongers are individuals or entities who aggressively promote and influence tastes, trends, or cultural preferences, often with a focus on what is considered fashionable, desirable, or high-status. They may be critics, influencers, marketers, or simply individuals with a strong voice who shape the public's perception of quality, enjoyment, and worth. The term implies a degree of manipulation or artificiality in the cultivation of these preferences, suggesting that the promoted tastes are not necessarily organically derived or based on intrinsic merit but are, instead, actively constructed and disseminated to generate profit or social capital. They are often driven by economic gain, social standing or a need for approval.
Tastemongers meaning with examples
- Fashion magazines and celebrity stylists frequently act as tastemongers, dictating what clothing styles and beauty trends are 'in' for each season. Their influence can quickly transform niche designs into mainstream must-haves, driving sales and shaping consumer behavior across the globe. This impact can also greatly influence self esteem and confidence.
- Food critics and restaurant reviewers, in their assessment of culinary experiences, serve as tastemongers by shaping public perception of dining quality and creating buzz around certain establishments or dishes. Their judgements can impact restaurant profits, and alter trends in what people eat and consider delicious.
- Art galleries and auction houses, with their curated exhibitions and sales, act as tastemongers, defining the value and significance of particular artworks and artists. They influence investment decisions and help determine which creations will be remembered for years and decades.
- Social media influencers, by promoting specific products, lifestyles, and activities, function as modern-day tastemongers, guiding their followers' choices and aspirations. Their curated content, often presented as aspirational, shapes what is deemed trendy or acceptable within their communities.
