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Gossip Gir's relationship with the fashion industry has always been one of symbiosis: the show is clearly fashion-centric, but it also drives trends and increases sales. Think about it- how many more headbands have you seen since the show premiered in September 2007? And what other show could sell out a pair of $100 boots within two weeks of an episode airing? Blair, Serena, Jenny, and Vanessa have (respectively) made it cool to dress like a priss without sacrificing sexiness, to flaunt what you've got without remorse, to stick tulle under uniform skirts, and to clash colors so much they almost match.
The most straightforward example of the show inspiring the fashion industry is Anna Sui's new GO International line for Target. The designer explicitly stated that the line was inspired by the ladies of Gossip Girl, and she named the groups of dresses after the characters themselves. This initially thrilled fans- after all, it's tough to don a Marc by Marc dress that Blair made famous without looking like a clone. Sui's "inspired by" collection makes it easy to rock the looks without copycatting or breaking the bank.
Target's not so sure though. They were initially onboard with the collection's inspiration, but they seem to be backing off after realizing how risque the show can be. Promiscuity, underage drinking, blackmail, and drug use abound, and those things are tough to justify inspiring a collection when you're a family brand. The store is apparently pulling all specific references to the show from the line's marketing when it comes out in September, leaving fans to decide which look goes with which character all by themselves.
It won't be too tough, though. The above looks are pretty obvious: the leggings/boots combo screams Jenny Humphrey, a bow around the neck couldn't belong to anyone but Blair Waldorf, and a plunging neckline and grey color palette cry out Serena van der Woodsen.
The only task left is to decide whether or not you'll mix and match; can you be both a Vanessa and a Blair?
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