“The Industry Needs to Have Some Fun Again and Loosen Up”: Fauxgue MENA Talks Candidly About Its Tongue-in-Cheek Intentions and The Future of The Account
From navigating cyber laws to next steps for the budding brand the anonymous creator reveals that he or she just really wants to entertain the industry, one post at a time…
In the age of social media, its easier than ever to be both visible and hidden at the same time.
Users have gained a newfound shield, confidently expressing their opinions freely while simultaneously revelling in the realm of anonymity.
This has given rise to a new form of critic – an omnipresent watchful eye, that has the latest gossip and details of everything yet skilfully remains inconspicuous to the public.
In the region, Fauxgue MENA has recently caused a stir. Centering on fashion news, alongside a healthy dose of light-hearted gossip, the platform launched earlier this month and has already shaken up the industry with its eagle-eyed posts.
Now, with its follower count on Instagram growing exponentially and a number of valid, tongue-in-cheek critiques Fauxgue is establishing itself as a the go-to source for fashion, fun, and general social commentary in the region.
From big name stars to editors and influencers, the account certainly has its finger on the pulse. This has left many wondering, who is Fauxgue MENA? And how do they acquire their intel?
Bazaar Arabia managed to chat exclusively with the enigmatic social media presence to get to know a bit more about the person behind the anonymous account.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): What inspired you to start Fauxgue MENA?
Fauxgue MENA: I felt like the industry needed to have a one-stop shop that sums up everything happening in the Middle East, whether it’s things that have already happened or will be happening in the future – perhaps announcing the season’s event schedule, to avoid having several events on the same day, for example. There are many other things that this account could do.
I also felt like the industry needs to have some fun again and loosen up. I wanted to make people laugh, so I thought to myself, why not launch an account that mixes some industry news with some light-hearted humour? And if it gets people to smile, then the page is doing its job!
HBA: How do you gather your intel?
Fauxgue MENA: All the information shared on the page has been shared somewhere else on social media, on different platforms. It’s simply summing up this information – that consists mainly of bigger events happening or topics that are being talked – and adding a personal twist to it… I know all these people. It’s a matter of being present, being attentive, being social – and knowing the ins and outs of the industry.
HBA: How do you take UAE cyber law into consideration when creating and sharing your content?
Fauxgue MENA: Nothing that is being shared on Fauxgue will harm anyone whatsoever. That is not the intention of the page and it never will be. The page is meant to celebrate everyone, maybe tease them sometimes in a cute way, make them smile and, of course, inform in some cases; there will be no maliciousness nor big secrets that will be revealed. So there is nothing to worry about there. This is not the real Gossip Girl or Lady Whistledown, or StyleNotCom. There are [enough accounts like that] out there, and they’re doing it so perfectly. Fauxgue is just a space to share news, funny comments, and make people smile – hopefully.
HBA: How do you manage to keep your identity a secret?
Fauxgue MENA: It’s hard nowadays, isn’t it? But that’s the whole point of it. Why do people need to know anyway? Does it really matter? There’s so much chit-chat going on about who it can be, spreading rumours and speculations, which is flattering, but so unnecessary. Fauxgue is a page that wants to celebrate the industry, the region, and its people from behind the scenes. Let Fauxgue be. Keep the mystery, let’s just have fun and play.
HBA: When will the Fauxgue website be launching?
Fauxgue MENA: For now, the plan is Instagram only. Let’s see how this evolves. It might grow, it might shut down, but for now let’s have fun.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
Lead image courtesy of Jason LLoyd-Evans