More Money, More Problems

As brands wise up to street style and realize how much seeing a certain piece worn well makes people want to go out and shop for it, the game of "gifting" has been elevated to a new level. Says Robinovitz, "In the traditional world, celebrities have always been gifted by brands as it is considered product placement and good for a brand's exposure to be on the backs of tastemakers. If a brand wants a definite guarantee, that may turn into a collaboration with shared content which may require compensation."

As street-style stars become more influential (at least to fashion fans) than celebrities, how they acquired the pieces they own becomes important. If 50% of an outfit didn't come from the wearer's own pockets, is it valid to say that 50% of her style isn't her own?

Photographed by Tracy Wang