Bretman Rock, Bella Poarch, and Patrick Starrr among Forbes' top fashion creators for 2023
Forbes has released its annual list of top creators for fashion in 2023, and it includes three Filipino-American personalities: Bretman Rock, Bella Poarch, and Patrick Starrr.
The American magazine defined the fashion-savvy creators as ones who “shape the global tastes and trends across arts, style, and luxury goods.”
In partnership with creator marketing agency Influential, the list featured 50 creators with a combined 1.1 billion followers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more.
The creators were screened based on their follower count, engagement rates, and entrepreneurial ventures—where they rate creators on a one to four scale, depending on how they make money using traditional advertising or building their own brands and services.
First Fil-Am on the list is Bretman Rock landing on the 7th spot, garnering 52 million followers with an average follower engagement of 3.4%. The magazine also gave him an entrepreneurial score of 2.
After rising to fame for his funny makeup tutorials, Bretman has collaborated with big brands over the years, including Nike and Valentino.
“The Hawaii-based Filipino-American creator has gone on to reach new heights since branching beyond the ‘beauty guru’ moniker, becoming the first gay man to cover Vogue Philippines and Playboy, and working with Nike, Balmain, Valentino, Crocs, Amazon, and Google,” his profile read.
He has also published his first book, You’re That Bitch: And Other Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself. He had his book launch and signing event in the Philippines in March.
Landing 12th on the list is makeup guru and now licensed esthetician Patrick Starrr who has a 12 million follower count and average engagement of 1.40%. He also has an entrepreneurial score of 4.
Patrick Starrr, whose real name is Patrick Simondac began his content creation career on YouTube in 2013. Since then, he has become one of the biggest names in the industry, paving the way to launching of his own cosmetics label, One/Size.
“It currently retails at Sephora, selling everything from powders to eyeliners, and a setting spray which sold out after going viral as Beyoncé’s spray during the Renaissance tour. Starrr’s also served as a guest judge on Drag Race Philippines last year, a judge for Miss USA 2023, and has worked with Warner Bros., Benefit Cosmetics, and MAC Cosmetics,” the magazine wrote.
One of his notable collaborations is with Liza Soberano, who was his muse for his Miss Universe makeup video.
Additionally, he recently added another crown on his head by being a licensed esthetician in March this year.
Pop singer-influencer Bella Poarch was ranked 22nd on the list, having 112 million total followers, and an average engagement score of 0.65%. The magazine gave her an entrepreneurship score of 3.
"The Filipina-American Navy veteran has evolved from TikTok fame to a pop music and fashion star. In 2022, she released her first album, 'Dolls.' In 2023, she partnered with luxury brands Miu Miu and Hugo Boss. Poarch also anchored Steve Madden’s fall campaign and modeled for Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty," her profile read.
She was also recently included in Forbes' Top Creators of 2023 with $3.3M (P189 million) earnings.
In 2022, Bella was included in Forbes’ annual 30 over 30 (social media), a list that recognizes individuals for their significant contributions and achievements in their respective industries. In March, she won her first-ever Kids’ Choice Award.
Meanwhile, topping the Forbes Top Creators: Fashion 50 list is Emma Chamberlain with 28 million total followers, and an average engagement of 6.25%. She also has an entrepreneurship score of 4.
She has worked with big brands like Louis Vuitton, Canon, and Levi’s. She also became an ambassador for luxury jewelry brand Cartier and has been named the youngest global face of the luxe beauty brand Lancome.
