If successful, Steele will not only have analyzed popular media but will have built an alternative infrastructure for it.

: Her presence is characterized by a "viral" quality, frequently appearing in podcasts and interviews that discuss the intersection of alternative aesthetics (such as emo culture) and digital stardom. 2. Valerie Steele : Intellectual Influence on Popular Culture Dr. Valerie Steele

One of the key insights of Steele's work on "exxxtrasmall" fashion is its performative nature. Fashion, she argues, has always been a form of performance, where individuals use clothing and style to negotiate identity, social status, and cultural belonging. In the era of "exxxtrasmall" fashion, this performative aspect has become even more pronounced, with individuals curating their online personas and engaging in a constant process of self-reinvention and rebranding.