Probably unpopular opinion: Influencers are the reality of the world we live in. They offer engagement and an easy door into consumers for many brands.
For example Clark’s and Hattie today. Some see Clark’s as a date model, forget about or wouldn’t think to go there. For Clark’s Hattie has a large following of mums (mostly young trendy mums) they all buy Clark’s, others follow suit. Those Stories from Hattie probably get more views and engagement from parents than an add on a bus stop.
Brands paying people to promote their products is where to stay, how many people on this forum would turn down the opportunity to be paid to post something on Instagram? They’ve seen an opportunity to make money and have utilised it.
Same with the dresses, I’ve never heard on that brand prior to that post. Would probably go and look on their website, however if my friend shared a competition I’d probably skip past it. Influencers open doors to new consumers to brands. The average person with 500 followers sharing a comp will not attract/ engage with Hattie and Mallory with thousands of followers.
You can support women without being negative to others. Don’t like it, move on from it. Following them, clicking on their links, viewing their posts only drives their engagement and gives them more opportunities to work with more brands and people. You love the Olympians, go follow, share what they do. Help engage with their brand