The Gal Squad: Eva Chen

For our very first feature on The Gal Squad, look no further than Eva Chen, Instagram's Director of Fashion Partnerships. Chen, who is a regular at Fashion Weeks all over the globe, is one of the ultimate #girlbosses and definitely a gal to look up to.

Chen, who was the former Editor-in-Chief at Lucky magazine and Beauty and Health Editor over at Teen Vogue, has definitely come a long way from her stint as Anna Wintour's protégé. Often called the "Anna Wintour of the Digital Age", Chen's quirky yet fashion-forward style is the stuff of dreams, often seen in front rows at Fashion Week and on magazine spreads. She's known for combining a touch of the avant-garde with her own innate sense of impeccable style.

Always ahead of the fashion game, Chen's position at Instagram as its Director of Fashion Partnerships puts her at an advantage, marrying fashion with technology, and on the curve of the millennial trends. With social media on the rise, fashion brands have had to increase their presence on the digital stage. Under Chen's leadership, Instagram's platform as a site where brands and fashion houses can showcase their looks and products is a match made in fashion and tech heaven. She's even created her own signature pose, the #evachenpose, where she showcases her shoes, bag, and fruit of the day, a pose that's imitated by thousands of fashion fans around the world.

Chen's own brand of effortless and chic style resonates with both her millennial audience and the fashion girls of the industry. Her daughter, Ren, even has her own Instagram page, where she showcases her own unique sense of style inherited from her mother. Chen's efforts at making fashion more accessible and relatable to a larger audience has created a fashion revolution, where #ootds are the norm and fashion influencers have taken over the front row. Her Instagram stories feature front rows across the globe, giving firsthand access to the runways of legendary designers. Chen's fashion commentary is also a breath of fresh air to the otherwise seemingly elitist and stuffy fashion industry. Her #evachenminireviews are also a must-watch, especially for the beauty addicts out there, her reviews are funny and extensive, coupled with the experience of a girl who knows her stuff (after all, she was the beauty editor at Teen Vogue!)

She's also not afraid to step out of her comfort zone, both in fashion and in her day-to-day. She's known for finding new and upcoming designers, and can always be seen putting together looks that are not conventional, and yet, are oh so stylish. Her one of a kind style is the go-to for the modern woman, streamlined and effortless, cutting-edge and just a little bit nostalgic. She often mixes vintage with new, like old Nike Cortez trainers or vintage Gucci loafers with the latest bags from Fendi and sparkle skirts from Valentino. A true fashion girl at heart, her strategy when it comes to outfit building is nothing short of amazing, with just the right amount of sass that makes for a sense of style that is definitely editorial-worthy.

Eva's love of fashion led her to create a best-selling series of children's books, the first of which was Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes, dedicated to her daughter, Ren. Soon, two other books followed, A is for Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World and Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure, cementing Eva's status as a best-selling children's author. Eva's evolution from fashion editor to author is nothing short of inspiring, proving that fashion can indeed make a difference. Eva's belief in empowering women and girls through the art of fashion and literature has certainly made its mark, especially on the younger generation–instilling in girls a love for reading and a sense of ambition.

Eva Chen proves that social media can be used as a tool for good, using her platform to promote causes supporting women and girls, as well as diversity and inclusivity. Her work at Instagram provides a platform for people to deliver messages and images of positivity, using her chosen medium of fashion to do so. She has helped open the barriers of the fashion industry, proving that yes we can, and we can do it while looking good.

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