The CW hit series’ celebrated costume designer, Eric Daman, reveals his favorite looks that he’s so stylishly pulled together for Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), one of TV’s most iconic fashionistas, during the show’s six-year run:
“G.G.,” SEASON 5
“Runaway bride? More like runway bride! Ms. Blair stuns in her Vera Wang, dashing down the streets of NYC. I had the honor and privilege to work directly with delicious designer VW herself, on not only one but two gorgeous gowns,” Daman gushes. “Blair floated down the aisle like the princess she always dreamed of becoming. The layers and layers of antique French lace, all hand-applied, give this dress old-world charm and couture. Vera keeps it contemporary by adding a horsehair bow, so Blair. By the way, B’s bridesmaids were decked in cocktail gowns from Vera’s fab and affordable collection for David’s Bridal.”
“ALL THE PRETTY SOURCES,” SEASON 5
“BW has a bun in the oven! Thank god Dior makes beautiful orange sparkle muumuus,” Daman says. “It was a lot of fun playing dress-up for Blair’s pregnant episodes. There were haute empire waists and blouson confections any UES mom-to-be would kill for, from Balenciaga to McQueen. But for me this couture cocktail dress takes the cake. Demure and elegant, Ms. Waldorf stuns at her Tiffany-themed bridal shower.”
“BELLES DE JOUR,” SEASON 4
“Blair is a study in art history as she wanders the halls of le Musée d’Orsay. The Oscar de la Renta dress is reminiscent of a classical painting and perfect for meeting a prince,” Daman says of Blair’s pretty look in the season four premiere. “Not a bad option when shopping Chanel with your best frenemy, either! OMG alert: Is she wearing orange satin shoes from Nine West?!? Oui, oui, c’est vrai!”
“THE WRONG GOODBYE,” SEASON 4
“Parisian couturier Alexis Mabille sent this one-of-a-kind black velvet sheath for our season four finale. The baby blue and pink hand-embroidered flowers and filigree work are quintessential Blair,” Daman says. “A true piece of art, perfect to be kidnapped in. But the heroine is saved by the bell as our gang rushes to her rescue.”
“VALLEY GIRLS,” SEASON 2
“Fit for a queen! This black Marchesa with its gold brocade peacock reminded me of a turn-of-the-century, high-society ballgown. Perfect for crowning Ms. Blair queen of Constance!” Daman explains of Blair’s iconic prom look. “A Simon Tu tiara tops it off with gleaming crystal rosettes. Simon is one of NYC’s best-kept secrets; his beautiful boutique is a gem, and only a stone’s throw from Bloomingdale’s.”
“SEDER ANYTHING,” SEASON 2
My fair Blair! One of my favorite dream sequences based on one of my favorite films,” Daman explains of B’s My Fair Lady-esque ensemble. “Blair radiates Audrey Hepburn’s aura at the Ascot Races. The delicate chapeau was handmade in the costume shop by a milliner on our wardrobe team (and later worn by frenemie Serena in another dream sequence!). The Carolina Herrera gown couldn’t have been better to emulate Cecil Beaton’s original award-winning designs.”
“SUMMER, KIND OF WONDERFUL,” SEASON 2
“No one pulls off florals better than BW. Flirty and fresh, this Alice + Olivia number is ideal for a romantic bike ride through the Hamptons,” Daman says. “The dress print and shape are vintage chic. A soft floral headband and pop of pink gives this look Blair’s signature style. Matchy-matchy is not always a no-no; love the wicker bag in the bike’s wicker basket!”
“HI, SOCIETY,” SEASON 1
“Ahhh, my first Deb Ball…Coming out never felt (or looked) so good!” Daman recalls. “Queen B is in all her glory in an Eric Daman original. The first couture creation I actually designed and had handcrafted in our costume shop. The pale silver silk jacquard gave me visions of a modern-day Marie Antoinette. Just add a giant bow and it’s BW à propos! Insider secret: We had to rig the dress’s train to faux rip off for a formal faux pas!”
“DESPERATELY SEEKING SERENA,” SEASON 1
Classic queen B! Blair’s school unis became a hot fashion trend, and her headbands ruled the accessories chart,” Daman says. “This one has all the iconic trimmings: Brooks Brothers cape, grosgrain headband from Bendel’s, red and white spectators, and a giant statement school bag (by Valentino of course). Ladylike vintage gloves keep our scheming queen’s hands clean as she texts Gossip Girl with some high school scandy.”
“ROMAN HOLIDAY,” SEASON 1
“My very own ice princess, très chic as she skates through Central Park in mix-and-match plaids. Creamy tights, crochet beret and pink pom-poms give her look a juvenile innocence as she schemes to get her father’s attention,” Daman explains of the outfit Blair wears while spending time with her father’s husband Roman. “#blairs scheming beret. And the caplet is by H&M and the cute crinoline skirt was from Zara Kids! High-low, ladies, high-low!”
