Meet The Blogger Who Became a Fashion Icon At 11

The Insta-fashion world is run by, and for, young adults: it’s 20-to-30-something models, bloggers and writers who dominate the scene. But every once in a while, a new voice breaks through – a voice like Tavi Gevinson.

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Matching Hilma af Klint 🧬

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Gevinson broke into the fashion industry in 2008, at the tender age of 11. The preteen was so fascinated by the world of fashion, that she started her own blog – Style Rookie. She used the blog as a creative outlet, writing about style as self-expression. The fresh voice attracted tens of thousands of readers, making Tavi an influencer when influencing was barely a thing.

By the time she was a sophomore in high school, she had launched her e-magazine, Rookie, where she published articles, essays, interviews, advice columns and so on. She became a voice for a generation of young girls who wanted to express themselves through style.

That was all years ago, though, and since then, Tavi has grown and evolved as a person and as a career-woman. Today she is a writer, fashion icon, influencer, activist and actor. Everything she does today still has the same optimism and enthusiasm of her early days as a blogger. She may have started young, but she’s still growing and evolving. We’re dying to see where she’d go next.  

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Yesterday marked 10 years since I started ye olde blog, Style Rookie. I’m so so grateful for all the opportunities to express myself that have since come my way, and for the audience that’s been there each time. When I was in middle school, I thought I’d never find like-minded people; once that happened, I thought every trip to New York or writing assignment would be the last. Now, I am fortunate enough to get to make a living doing what I love; to regularly soak up culture in NY, where I live; and to have mentors, friends & readers who are constantly changing the way I think. THANK YOU for making it possible. Here are random reflections + a photo for each year, starting with when I copied Comme des Garcons slogan makeup on my face like it was cheek stain. Ages 12-15 by me, 16+ @petrafcollins. In 2008, I thought I didn’t like writing; in 2010, I realized I’d been doing it every day for two years; in 2018, it’s how I know who I am. In 2006, when my dad came home from New York with a ticket stub from The Producers on Broadway, I examined it in awe; now, I get to see theater regularly and even be in it. It’s a completely different way of experiencing time from writing or working on the internet, and I love having all three. Until recently, I thought I knew what made someone a “real” writer, editor, actor, CEO, and that I wasn’t one. Now, most sects of media/entertainment have been so shaken up by technology and by #MeToo’s examination of power that the gatekeeper archetype and old markers of success feel pretty outdated. This is thrilling. In 2008, the fashion industry was worried blogs would replace magazines; by 2018, the real threat turned out to be social media. In 2011, I saw @rookiemag as a response to most mainstream teen and women’s magazines; in 2018, I’m more worried about technology. I’m also deeply thankful that the Rookie community has proved that a mission-based, audience-first philosophy has more longevity than clickbait. And I can’t wait to be able to share Rookie’s next manifestation with you. I used to have trouble smiling in photos; this is still the case. From ages 11-20, I was a person; at 21, I am a defaced subway poster for Young Sheldon.

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