Always Scrolling is PAPER's spotlight on our favorite TikTokers in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more. Keep reading to discover this week's viral sensation: Nicky Campbell.
Television had Fashion Police and Joan Rivers. Social media has Nicky Campbell. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Campbell moved to New York at 18 to attend Parsons School of Design. After working in the fashion industry for more than eight years in more traditional editorial and communications roles at Thom Browne, Vogue, theCFDA and more, he's now created a platform of his own, offering critiques on fashion, from red carpet dressing and celebrity style to runways and editorials. Even Charli XCX, Colman Domingo, Rosalia, Jenna Lyons, Lisa Rinna, Rita Ora, Rachel Sennott and more are followers and fans.
"As the platform grows, I'm excited to begin shooting more content with designers, stylists, celebrities and stakeholders in the industry to get a more in-depth look at what's happening in fashion from an insider's perspective," Campbell tells PAPER.
In the middle of New York Fashion Week, PAPER chatted with the funny fashion critic about keeping fashion criticism alive, his favorite designers and what he loves to see on the red carpet.
@nickycbell #MetGala Monday is officially here.. part 1 is IN 🤯
What do you love about what you do?
I ultimately love that my videos create a discussion and debate online about fashion. For me, fashion is something that is meant to be critiqued and discussed in the same way we do for film, television and all other forms of art. I don't pretend to have all of the answers. I just express my personal opinion, and I always love to open the comments section and see how differently other people think. I learn a lot from my followers. I love to see how passionate they get about fashion.
Who is another TikToker that you love right now?
I'm obsessed with that French TikToker Bach Buquen who just posts himself doing the exact same dance every day. I've seen him do it a million times, and yet I still watch every single video. Pretty privilege.
Craziest comment you’ve received on a post?
I was on vacation so I hadn't posted in like a week, and one person commented saying they missed my videos so much they would get a second or third job so they could pay me to make sure I post every single day. I actually think about that a lot. Sounds like a vibe?
Full look: Helmut Lang, Sunglasses: Tom Ford, Shoes: Ralph Lauren
What’s one of your favorite looks you’ve posted?
It would have to be this incredible Willy Chavarria look that I wore to the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards. He's one of my favorite designers. When I saw the look on the runway, I knew I had to have it, and they were kind enough to send it to me for the occasion. I knew it was a good choice when Martha Stewart came up to me out of nowhere to tell me I looked amazing and asked to take a photo with me. It sounds like I'm making this up, but I promise there were witnesses.
What’s a trend that you love right now?
In terms of the red carpet, I love the amount of celebrities that are diving into archival dressing recently. Fashion always moves so fast, and it feels so special when someone brings back a piece from an iconic collection and gives new life to that design.
One that you hate?
Gloves. Suddenly everyone on the red carpet thinks that their look is not complete without a glove, and I find it very rarely adds anything. It's the most overdone accessory.
What would you never wear?
I've learned to never say never. I thought I would never touch a pair of Birkenstocks in my life, and I just ordered a pair. I fear I'm obsessed.
@nickycbell In #HenryGolding we trust.. #KidsChoiceAwards @Nickelodeon
Favorite fashion brands right now?
Jonathan Anderson has my heart; I will always be a Loewe and JW Anderson girl. I love what he does intellectually, but I also wear his clothes a lot. I also love what Daniel Roseberry is doing at Schiaparelli, and I'm a big fan of Chitose Abe of Sacai. And of course, the New York designers like Christopher John Rogers and Luar.
Who’s your celebrity crush?
The answer to this will always be Seth Meyers.
What’s a good book you’ve read recently?
I just read No One Asked for This by Cazzie David and laughed the whole time.
Pants: Private Policy
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Indochine always hits.
Favorite club in NYC?
Jean's on Lafayette is always a good spot for a drink and a dance.
What are five songs you have on repeat right now?
"Everything is romantic" by Charli XCX, "Dumb & Poetic" by Sabrina Carpenter, "Dade County Dreaming" by Camila Cabello, "Run for the Hills" by Tate McRae and "Heat" by Tove Lo & SG Lewis. I'm a pop girlie, if you can't tell.
Photography: Ruben Chamorro
