The Next Headband? Costume Designer Eric Daman on Gossip Girl Trends Worth "Spotting"

By Nandini D'Souza
September 14, 2010

Eric Daman Gossip Girl

Millions of tweens and teens (and more than a few addicted adults) have been eagerly anticipating last night's series premiere of "Gossip Girl." Not only have they been eagerly perusing paparazzi shots of the cast shooting in Paris and New York, but they've also been stocking up on eBay, eagerly purchasing DVDs (perhaps to catch up on episodes they've missed) and clothing tagged with the term. In fact, sales of items with the listing term "Gossip Girl" on eBay are up 29 percent in the past 30 days compared to the prior period.

When fans tuned in last night, breaths were bated for what wonderfully over-the-top ensembles Blair, Serena and co. would be wearing. And they weren't disappointed. Week after week, there’s equal excitement over what Serena is slipping into as there is over who she is sleeping with, and it’s all because of the mad-brilliant vision of costume designer Eric Daman.

Gossip Girl Set Blair Waldor Serena van der Woodsen

Daman, who won an Emmy in 2002 for that other clothes-obsessed show about best friends in Manhattan, "Sex and the City," has an uncanny knack for launching trends you never believed would ever surface—or resurface, as the case may be. Case in point: The headband, championed nearly single-handedly by Blair Waldorf (and Eric Daman as her puppeteer), went from country club kitsch to cool girl. "Gossip Girl" also fueled the recent 80s fire. While hardcore fashion editor types may lament that the girls always seem to have one accessory too many, if it’s on Gossip Girl this week, you can bet it will be ardently recreated by the show’s devoted fans across mainstream America.

But as quick as he introduces a particular look, Daman is thinking of the next big thing about to break. This season, "Gossip Girl’s" fourth, opens in Paris, which by default of setting, promises fashion with a capital F. Which is exactly what we talked about with Daman.

The Inside Source: You've re-launched the headband. What other looks and trends can we expect to see this season?
Eric Daman: Over-the-top fun and fabulousness inspired by the girls' tenues de jour a Paris. Hats, jet beads, high heels and so much more!

Roll over items for details

Hats: Beanie Tam Beret

Jet Beads

High Heels: Christian Louboutin

The Next Headband? Costume Designer Eric Daman on Gossip Girl Trends Worth

TIS: What other fashion trends has "Gossip Girl" helped launch?

ED: The men’s clothing revolution via Chuck Bass. Who knew bow ties, silk scarves and pastel suits would replace the metrosexual taste of yesterday?

TIS: How will Serena's and Blair's styles evolve this season?

ED: Blair in Paris was meant to be a fashion Blairgasm…. Upon her return she definitely goes more sleek and ladylike—clean lines, structure, a modern day Tamara de Lempika painting, staying true to her style and sensibility. There will be girly gown moments, but B is growing up and so are her clothing choices. Serena is also growing up and taking some fashion risks and experimenting with shapes as well as boundaries. The tux (by Maxime Simoens—my new fashion fav and Parisian discovery) is a great example. It’s modern, risqué, unexpected,and so is this season’s Serena. Call it avante garde, call it risqué. She will always keep us guessing and gushing….

TIS: Favorite fashion moment of season's past....

ED: Oh so many…the first costume ball, Jenny's renegade fashion show, Chuck playing croquet, the white party, Blair and the mean girls in "school girl" looks… The list just goes on. It’s like being a parent; you can’t really choose your favorite.

Serena & Blair Gossip Girl
TIS: Where do you get your inspiration for the show?

ED: Old movies, new movies, Italian Vogue, American Vogue, my corner deli, Central Park. Inspiration is everywhere.

TIS: How would you describe the styles of all the main characters?

ED: I prefer to relate them to art: Serena is a Gustav Klimt, Blair a Tamara de Lempicka and Lily a Piet Mondrian.

TIS: Personally, what was your first search/purchase on eBay?

ED: An Alexander McQueen dress for my best friend’s 30th birthday

TIS: What are your personal top eBay searches?

ED: Photorealism prints, art deco jewelry, and Danish masters still-life oil paintings.

Shop eBay Like The Gossip Girls

Blair

Ribbon Headbands: Paris Bow

The young lady who launched a million headbands.

Cinched Waist Dress: Anna Sui

Ladylike dresses with a slim waist and a subtle vintage feel are a favorite of B's.

Bow Blouse: Japan Millau

Miss Waldorf has a penchant for blouses with a feminine, floppy bow on them a la Chanel and classic Dior.

Boxy Bag: Letisse Handle Bag

The Upper East Sider has been favoring classic bags for day of late.

Serena

Boyfriend Jacket: Black Blazer

We may not have the boyfriend drama that Serena does, but we can at least pay homage to her love of slouchy boyfriend shapes.

Skinny Jeans: H&M Charcoal

Serena has the legs and attitude to pull of denim that looks painted-on.

Braided, Studded or Fringe Bag: Hobo Bag

Serena favors the super luxe bags fresh off the Milan and Paris runways, the kind of louche, deconstructed bags with fringe, braids or tough-chic studs.