It’s 8:30 p.m. on a brisk Monday evening in New Jersey. I haven’t eaten dinner yet—it will have to be something quick and simple. Instead of watching the season premiere of the revamped “90210” right now, I am instead writing this blog about another CW show coincidentally airing its season opener tonight as well: “Gossip Girl.”
Here’s what I know about the show: It was based on a novel series; it’s an American teen drama even though some of my 30-something-year-old friends watch it; and it’s produced many stars. Oh, and one of those stars, Blake Lively, married actor Ryan Reynolds just last month.
This is what I learned from reading Wikipedia (yes, I know): It is now officially in its last season (consisting of 10 episodes); it revolves around the lives of privileged young adults on Manhatten’s Upper East Side in New York City; and its scandalous nature has incurred the wrath of groups like the Parents Television Council, which launched an “OMFG” ad campaign in April 2008 that I vaguely remember.
So, for the life of me, I can’t imagine why New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg visited the set on Jan. 26, 2012 and proclaimed the date “Gossip Girl Day.” It made New York a central character. Who hasn’t done that? Hello, “Sex and the City.” Even more puzzling, New York magazine deemed the show as the “Greatest Teen Drama of All Time,” citing that it has opened the door for scripted dramas to be effective social satire. New York magazine: Have you ever heard of a show called “My So-Called Life” and the great love story of Angela Chase and the dreamy, and misunderstood bad-boy-who-acts-like-that-because-of-an-undiagnosed-learning-disability, Jordan Catalano?
All kidding aside, the show has had a MAJOR impact on retail. In 2008, The New York Times reported that “Gossip Girl” was “the first [show] to have been conceived, in part, as a fashion marketing vehicle.” In honor of this achievement, and perhaps in an effort to say “goodbye” to the end of an era, The Washington Post has published a slideshow of “Gossip Girl” fashion highlights entitled, “’Gossip Girl’ fashion: From school uniforms to couture.”
Here are ways to incorporate some “Gossip Girl” trends into your promotional apparel campaigns:
• Headbands
A friend to the right hairstyle, headbands became the signature look of Blair Waldorf, played by Leighton Meester, in the early years of the show. Whether you have an intense workout planned or simply need something to hold your hair back, so you don’t have to, try the Jules Headband from Brandwear Basics Ltd.
• T-shirts and Plaid Skirts
Every teen drama has a character who likes to keep it cool and casual, but in an ironic way. For “Gossip Girl” that person was Serena van der Woodsen, played by the aforementioned Blake Lively. Try pairing the Juniors Deep V Neck Long Sleeve Shirt from Kavio! with the Teen Plaid Pleated Skirt from Dickies Occupational Wear because it’s actually fun.
• Brightly Colored Tights or Socks and Ballet Flats
Jenny Humphrey, played by Taylor Momsen, and the “minions” (aka very insecure high school girls) made these accessories part of their signature look. Does that say something bad about me if I own such items? Of course not! In lieu of tights, for promotional purposes, add a pop of color to your ensemble with Cotton Spandex Jersey Leggings from American Apparel.
• White
This is pretty easy. “Gossip Girl” introduced the concept of the Hampton’s “White Party.” No matter which direction future trends take, the color “white” always will be a classic staple—yes, even after Labor Day. From dresses and shirts to outerwear and socks, white is the perfect canvas for your imprinted logo. In the spirit of the elitist teens, check out these Formal White Dress Gloves from Atteff International for your next swanky affair.
• Masculine Pastels and Pinks
Finally, let’s not forget the dapper men of “Gossip Girl,” including Chuck Bass, played by Ed Westwick. The Solid Color Polyester Pocket Square from Wolfmark is available in pink (among a host of other colors), so tuck it into your smoking jacket. And if you don’t own a smoking jacket, buy one.
(Editor’s Note: I watched the DVR recording of “90210”—what a letdown after last season’s cliffhanger ending.)
