Is the IT Girl Just an Online Girl?

Reflecting on the broader implications of digital culture on today’s celebrities

In the kaleidoscopic realm of contemporary culture, the concept of the “It Girl” morphs and mutates, perpetually reinventing itself to mirror societal shifts. Once defined by fleeting glimmers in the tabloid spotlight, today’s It Girl is enmeshed in the digital ether, her identity coalescing through the ceaseless churn of the online world. Julia Fox, Chloe Cherry, and Gabriette represent a new paradigm, emblematic of an era where the line between the virtual and the tangible blurs into irrelevance.

Julia Fox’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of raw authenticity in the digital age. Known for her role in Uncut Gems, Fox’s appeal extends beyond her acting. Her unfiltered presence on social media is a blend of high fashion and personal revelations, resonating deeply with a generation that values transparency. As Fox herself put it on Good Morning America, “I’m always just myself”.

Fox’s journey is marked by a series of highs and lows that she shares candidly with her audience. From her early days as a dominatrix, which she credits as a pivotal experience in her life, to her struggles with addiction and personal loss, Fox’s narrative is one of resilience. “Working as a dominatrix was one of the few times I felt safe,” she revealed, underscoring the complex interplay of empowerment and exploitation in her past.

Chloe Cherry’s transition from the adult film industry to mainstream fame in HBO’s *Euphoria* is a compelling narrative of reinvention facilitated by the internet. Cherry’s candidness about her past challenges societal stigmas, reflecting a broader acceptance of diverse backgrounds in modern stardom. “I love being able to share my weirdness with the world,” Cherry has said, capturing the essence of a culture that celebrates individuality and defies norms.

Cherry’s recent controversy over a photoshoot accused of sexualizing children’s clothing highlights the volatile nature of online fame. The swift backlash she faced underscores the precarious balance It Girls must maintain in the digital age, where public sentiment can shift rapidly. This incident serves as a reminder of the transient nature of online celebrity and the constant scrutiny that comes with it.

However Chloe Cherry’s candid discussions about her past in the adult film industry and her navigation of mainstream media spotlight the changing perceptions of morality and success. By embracing her history, Cherry disrupts conventional narratives around sexuality and respectability, offering a more nuanced view of what it means to be an It Girl in today’s world.

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Gabriette’s influence as an It Girl is rooted in her ability to curate a visually compelling online presence. Her Instagram, viewed as an extension of her artistic sensibilities, functions as a digital gallery that reflects her unique style and aesthetic vision. “I see my Instagram as an extension of my art,” Gabriette noted, emphasising the platform’s role in personal and artistic expression.

The rise of Julia Fox, Chloe Cherry, and Gabriette signifies a broader cultural shift in the concept of celebrity. The modern It Girl is not merely a product of the internet; she is an active participant in shaping its culture. Social media platforms have democratised fame, allowing for a more interactive and participatory form of celebrity. Followers are no longer passive consumers but active participants in the unfolding narrative.

Fox’s reflections on fame illustrate this dynamic. “Everybody has a desire to be seen and to be recognized… I think deep down, everybody wants to be famous,” she admitted, shedding light on the universal human longing for recognition that drives much of online culture.

In this new paradigm, the It Girl is both a reflection and a creator of culture. Her digital presence is a living testament to the power of authenticity in an age where the lines between the virtual and the real are increasingly blurred. The stories of Fox, Cherry, and Gabriette are emblematic of a broader cultural movement—one where the digital and the tangible intertwine to create a rich tapestry of modern influence.

Today’s It Girls influence more than fashion and beauty trends; they are cultural commentators and societal influencers. Julia Fox’s memoir, *Down the Drain*, for example, not only chronicles her tumultuous life but also serves as a critique of fame and the societal expectations placed on women. Her narrative challenges traditional notions of success and highlights the resilience required to navigate the public eye.

Gabriette’s meticulous curation of her online presence as an art form challenges the boundary between life and art, suggesting that digital platforms can be spaces for profound creative expression. Her work underscores the potential for social media to transcend mere self-promotion and become a medium for artistic exploration.

The evolution of the It Girl in the digital age reflects broader societal changes in how we perceive fame, authenticity, and cultural influence. Julia Fox, Chloe Cherry, and Gabriette are not just online girls; they are architects of a new cultural paradigm where digital and real-life identities are inextricably linked. Their stories exemplify the transformative power of the internet and highlight the complex interplay between personal narrative and public persona. In this context, the modern It Girl is a dynamic figure, navigating and shaping the cultural currents of our time.