The Rise of Neon Coat: A New Era for Models and Influencers
An app that offers a wide range of free perks has recently launched, but with a unique catch—users must meet certain beauty standards to take advantage of the benefits. This new platform, called Neon Coat, was co-founded by Larissa Drekonja, a former model and actress, and Dan Berger. The app is designed to provide models and influencers with experiences, services, or complimentary food and drinks in exchange for them sharing their experiences online.
The concept behind Neon Coat is both innovative and controversial. To join, models need at least 1,000 followers on Instagram, while influencers require a minimum of 5,000 followers on either Instagram or TikTok. This criteria has sparked discussions about the role of physical appearance in the digital age, particularly within the modeling and influencer industries.
Currently, more than 12,500 models and influencers have used the app, alongside over 1,500 businesses and brands across major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and London. The app has become a popular tool for those looking to explore new places, enjoy free services, or build their personal brand through content creation.
Lauren Karowski, a travel content creator, finds herself checking the app daily when she’s in a city where Neon Coat operates. She uses it to discover new restaurants, get beauty treatments, or attend workout classes. “It’s a mix of trying new places and doing things I would normally do,” she explained. “I’ve found offers for comped dinners and drinks at places I’ve never heard of before.”
For Drekonja, the app was born out of her own struggles as a young model in New York City. After arriving from Slovenia as a teenager, she faced challenges such as late payments, cramped living conditions, and unsafe working environments. She also experienced a lack of control over her career and finances, which inspired her to create Neon Coat.
“The idea was to give models and creators more control over their careers and daily lives,” Drekonja said. “It’s not just about financial empowerment, but also about being able to afford the basics like food, workouts, and beauty treatments in expensive cities.”
Even though many models earn significant income through agencies or promoters, Drekonja noted that their expenses often come out of their stipends. “Neon Coat puts the control back into the model’s hands,” she added.
The Benefits for Creators and Businesses
For lifestyle content creators like Jaynie Miller, Neon Coat has been a game-changer. It has allowed her to explore New York City and build her portfolio through restaurant reviews and day-in-the-life videos. “It’s a great way to try out new places and show how I spend my day creating content,” Miller said.
Miller also highlighted the difficulty of collaborating with businesses without an app like Neon Coat. “Reaching out through DMs can be tricky, and sometimes you don’t get a response,” she explained. “With Neon Coat, you know the business is open to collaboration.”
Valeria Nanclares, who has been in the modeling industry for 14 years, has seen the shift toward social media influence. “In the past, I didn’t think much about posting on social media, but now it’s essential,” she said. “Brands often prefer someone with more followers.”
Berger and Drekonja believe that Neon Coat benefits not only models and influencers but also businesses. By connecting brands with creators who are already interested in their products, the app increases the likelihood of successful collaborations.
Craig Houston, managing partner of Jack & Charlie’s No. 118, has seen the positive impact of the app on his business. “The energy in the room is what makes the business thrive,” he said, noting that the app helps attract influential people who can promote his restaurant through their posts.
As the app continues to grow, it raises important questions about the intersection of beauty, influence, and opportunity in the modern digital landscape. While some may view the requirements as exclusionary, others see it as a way to empower creators and help them navigate the challenges of the industry.