tastemaker

A tastemaker is a person or organization that influences opinions about what is considered stylish, valuable, or desirable within a culture or field. Tastemakers shape trends by curating, endorsing, or featuring certain products, artists, ideas, or experiences, thereby signaling quality or novelty to a broader audience.

Tastemakers operate across domains such as fashion, music, art, design, food, media, and technology. They can be editors, critics, curators, bloggers, social media influencers, brand consultants, or event organizers who have access to audiences, networks, or influential platforms.

Their authority often stems from expertise, reputation, position within a community, or large follower networks. Through editorial choices, collaborations, recommendations, or exclusive access, they influence consumer preferences, market demand, and even the attention given to specific artists or brands. In recent years, digital platforms have broadened who can act as a tastemaker, enabling micro-influencers and niche curators to gain impact.

Tastemaking can drive innovation and visibility for new ideas, but it can also reinforce trends, gatekeep certain aesthetics, or promote homogenization. Critics argue that concentrated tastemaking power can marginalize diverse voices and create market bottlenecks, while proponents view it as a natural mechanism for signaling quality and helping audiences navigate abundance.

See also: trendsetter, influencer, curator, gatekeeping, cultural capital.