One of my tasks as an Echo Summer Intern is to help launch and contribute to the Echo Blog. Since this is my first ever experience blogging, our “What do I Blog About?” brainstorming session served to open my eyes to the young/hip/current internet social scene, which I seemed to be missing out on thus far in my 21 years. Ironically enough, only a few days after I became blog-educated, I came across an article in the NY Times which discussed one of our ideas for regular posts to a T. The article, which was printed on the front page, was entitled, “Forget Gossip Girl; the Buzz Is About the Clothes.” In sum, the article discussed that while the show doesn’t have the highest ratings on television (only targeting a narrow teen – young 20s audience), the on-set wardrobe has a tremendous effect on the retail marketplace. The show’s fashion forward and cutting edge style attracts the attention of avid shoppers with its trend setting abilities as well as designers with its product exposure. While some designers take inspiration from the show, many others take in profits. “The series has become a profitable showcase for certain designers. ‘Do you like my new Nanette Lepore?’ a character inquired in one episode. Ms. Lepore, a New York designer, reports that ‘within days after one of our dresses appears, the store gets calls.’”
While we discussed most of the story’s content in our meeting on Friday, what surprised me about this article was its location in the paper. Gossip Girl style was front page news along with articles concerning the G-8 Summit, rising oil prices, and the political unrest in Zimbabwe. This placement, to me, is proof that fashion, even to intellectuals who regularly digest the NY Times, is important enough in everyone’s lives to be a headliner. It exhibits through the purchasing fervor of items on the show that having that “new Nanette Lepore” will make someone’s life better and more exciting. I think that this article, and Gossip Girl, in particular give accessories added exposure and relevance. Since the characters on the show are required to sport preppy school uniforms daily, they are forced to express their fashion personality (and the depth of their wallets) through accessories. Scarves, handbags, gloves, tights, headbands, and wraps spice up their drab uniforms and make them outfits that are runway worthy. In this way the show demonstrates the importance of accessories, an idea we at Echo can definitely get behind! - Gillian