Emma Chamberlain never signed up to be an It girl. In an interview with Byrdie published Tuesday, the YouTuber and businesswoman, 23, opened up about her public status, which was further solidified after she made an appearance in Charli XCX’s iconic "360" music video in May 2024. Asked if she enjoys the complimentary label, Chamberlain revealed she actually rejects it.
"To me, it’s a little toxic," she told the outlet. "I’m not saying I don’t like the concept of an It girl, or the actual It girls, but there is something a little exclusionary about it to me that I don’t like. We’re adults!" Chamberlain added, "There being It girls makes the internet feel like high school to me." Her perspective sheds light on the pressures that accompany such labels in the public eye.
Chamberlain may have risen to fame for her relatability as a 17-year-old making daily YouTube vlogs, but her quirky-cool style quickly brought her into the fashion sphere, earning her lucrative deals with brands like Louis Vuitton and Lancôme. She also made her mark as a Vogue correspondent during the Met Gala in recent years, cementing her status as a style influencer.
Known for pushing boundaries with her outfits and testing out unique, often thrifted pieces, Chamberlain described the scrutiny that comes with her fashion choices. "[People will call me] an It girl or this hot girl, then if I wear an outfit that’s very much me in the sense that it’s comfortable and maybe a bit less sexy, then it’s like, ‘Emma turned ugly. She’s no longer an It girl,’" she explained. This statement captures the contradictory nature of public perception, where authenticity is often met with disapproval.
Chamberlain further emphasized her relationship with her critics: "But you made me that way! You told me that’s who I was." Her frustration reflects the conflicts faced by many social media personalities, where the audience's expectations can constrain individual expression. "You’re disappointed because you put me in this box. It’s definitely a compliment — so I’ll take it if you guys want to put me in the box — but don’t get mad when I wear a little cashmere bonnet on my head and go out for the day.”
Throughout her journey, Chamberlain has maintained an open dialogue about her mental health. In 2023, she discussed her struggles with anxiety, stating, "I’ve had my fair share of existential crises." This candidness not only humanizes her but also emphasizes the challenges many young public figures face behind their glamorous facades.
Ultimately, while the label of 'It girl' may seem like a badge of honor to some, for Emma Chamberlain, it's a complex title that she feels carries an inherent toxicity and pressure. Her authenticity and refusal to be confined by societal expectations make her stand out as a relatable figure in an industry often defined by superficiality. Chamberlain’s journey illustrates the broader conversation about identity and the authenticity within the world of social media and celebrity culture.
