The performances of plus size fashion digital influencers on the digital platform Instagram

This study aims to discuss the elements that permeate the performances of plus size fashion influencers on the digital platform Instagram. To this end, it applies concepts from the Dramaturgical Theory proposed by Erving Goffman, considering both the complexity of the relation between fashion and fat bodies, as well as the particularities that involve social interactions that occur in digital environments. Non-participant observation was carried out with three of the main profiles of Brazilian plus size fashion digital influencers on Instagram: Thais Carla, Letticia Munniz and Ju Romano. From the analysis of the data, two categories of analysis were proposed: (1) the public image that composes the performances of plus size fashion digital influencers on Instagram and (2) the interactional dynamics associated with the performances of plus size fashion digital influencers with her followers on Instagram. It is concluded that, through the performed performances, influencers transmit to their followers an image of body self-acceptance, adopt strategies that manage their interactions in order to preserve their personal public images, maintain credibility and a sense of representation towards the followers and use fashion as an instrument to break oppressive paradigms in relation to the fat body.