not the ggwriters

‘Gossip Girl’ & ‘The Carrie Diaries’ Stylist Eric Daman Had the Most Epic Referential TV Outfit Ever on Last Night

At last night’s From Scotland With Love’s annual Dressed to Kilt celebrity charity fashion show, I ran into the amazing Eric Daman—former male supermodel (no, seriously, he’s starred in Calvin Klein campaigns alongside Kate Moss and has appeared on the cover of L’Uomo Vogue) and costume designer for Gossip Girl and The Carrie Diaries.

Anyway, apropo of the occasion, Daman was wearing a kilt—and he paired it with a pleated tuxedo shirt, camouflage jacket, and a jaunty scarf. When I asked him if he had already been a kilt-owner or whether he had to procure one specially for the event, he confessed that the kilt was actually from the set of Gossip Girl—it was what the waiters wore in the episode where Blair Waldorf launched her clothing collection at Barneys! AND to top off his outfit, his jaunty scarf is THE Chuck Bass scarf.

Is Eric Daman’s Gossip Girl IRL outfit the best TV-referential look ever? I think so.

Warner Bros. donates “Gossip Girl” Wardrobe

Film Biz Recycling recently re-distributed wardrobe items from the New York production of Warner Brothers’ hit show “Gossip Girl” to three charities in the New York - Career Gear, Bottomless Closet and Goodwill Industries, renowned organizations that operate public and private reuse centers offering employment, job training and other community-based programs for those facing challenges to finding employment.

Canal Creatures shot and produced this video documenting the process of the Gossip Girl wardrobe’s journey from Film Biz to the three charities.

iloveherdress:

Dior in Gossip Girl

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!”

‘Gossip Girl’ fashion: The good, the bad and the exceedingly ugly

The CW hit series’ celebrated costume designer, Eric Daman, reveals his favorite looks that he’s so stylishly pulled together for Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick), one of TV’s most fashionable characters, during the show’s six-year run:

“YES, THEN ZERO,” SEASON 5

“‘People like me don’t write books, we’re written about.’ Living on a yacht, Bass takes to seafaring fashions like a fish to water. We had to get multiples on his light blue Banana Republic blazer as he gets covered in champagne later in the episode,” Daman reveals. “The yellow cravat is high-seas perfection, and the navy pocket square is nautical nonsense!  Ahoy matey!”

“THE WITCHES OF BUSHWICK,” SEASON 4

“Chuck Bass is one man that knows how to mix business and pleasure, always with class. Nothing sexier than a “man”i-pedi in a silk jacquard robe,” Daman says. “This episode was called ‘The Witches of Bushwick’ and I was hoping to conjure a look particularly reminiscent of Jack Nicholson in a film of similar title. Bad-boy Bass at his best!”

“DOUBLE IDENTITY,” SEASON 4

“Like a phoenix from the flames, Chuck rises (with the help of a bespoke cane!) to reclaim his destiny,” Daman says of this season four look. “The pinstripe Paul Stewart suit is masculine, strong and old-world, the pink boutonnière a nod to his newfound happiness. This is fearless, fashionable, flawless Chuck Bass. A Parisian love story!”

“ENOUGH ABOUT EVE,” SEASON 3

“All about Chair! This dream sequence demanded old-Hollywood glamour and Chair serves it up right. 007 watch out! Men’s formalwear has a new name, and it’s Chuck Bass,” Daman gushes. “Killer in a classic tux, and to top it all off his leading lady by his side sporting a beautiful Reem Acra gown. I’m seeing film noir stars of the millennium.”

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIE,” SEASON 2

“A shimmering ice-palace palette for the snowflake ball was our direction for this event. Chuck’s black and clear crystal beaded smoking jacket from Costume National couldn’t have been a better find. Thank you, Century 21! All of CB’s formal attire is stunning, but this one really is the Rolls-Royce. Simply paired with a classic white tux shirt and black and silver shadow-stripe bow tie, he is icy hotness!”

“NEW HAVEN CAN WAIT,” SEASON 2

“Autumnal elegance! Chuck is an Ivy League vision in this jacket and pant combo from Paul Stewart,” Daman spills. “The tones selected for this sartorial ensemble represent the changing of the seasons, and also don’t go unnoticed by the underground community known as the Skull and Bones. Even after being kidnapped he looks perfect, ascot and pocket square still there.”

“SUMMER, KIND OF WONDERFUL,” SEASON 2

“This Maison Margiela cream tux screamed Chuck Bass White Party to me while shopping at Barney’s. Haute sophistication! The black trim was a perfect nod to reflect his somber mood, knowing Blair had chosen Lord Marcus over him,” Daman explains of the iconic look Chuck donned in the season two premiere. “And nothing finishes off Bass formalwear better than a cravat. The sunglasses were a personal touch from Mr. Westwick himself.”

“SUMMER, KIND OF WONDERFUL,” SEASON 2

“Croquet anyone? CB giving some upper-crust Gatsby realness in this vintage-inspired ensemble. The pairing of Brooks Brothers argyle vest and socks with khaki shorts shows his daring flair and cocky nonchalance. I got some flak for this look but stand behind it 100 percent,” Daman says. “Chuck is pegged out and ready for the croquet renaissance!”

“SUMMER, KIND OF WONDERFUL,” SEASON 2

“‘Just three little words. All you have to do is say them…’ For this poignant Chair moment I wanted their costumes to be directly connected and seem like they were part of a fairy-tale garden,” Daman reveals. “The soft green of Chuck’s Boss suit and the abstract leaf print on B’s Milly dress melt beautifully into the moors of this Hampton estate. I wanted it to feel they would never leave and always be in this heavenly color-coated atmosphere; together forever. Green represents growth and harmony, and we all hoped Chuck would say those three words. Alas, green is also the color of jealousy, and B runs back to Lord Marcus.”

“THE BLAIR BITCH PROJECT,” SEASON 1

“We can’t have a Chuck Top 10 without an appearance by the infamous J. Press scarf. A symphony of patchwork silk ties, the scarf became a must-have for any Chuck Bass fan,” Daman says of the character’s signature accessory. “After its cult debut the store sold out of them immediately. I love it paired with this plaid Marc Jacobs toggle coat. Boyish innocence meets Bass darkness. A classic.”

Aside from those gratuitous teenage sex scenes set to One Republic and Blake Lively’s cleavage, the best part of Gossip Girl was Blair Waldorf’s headbands. From simple studs to ornate sparkles, the headbands seemed to be the secret to Queen B’s power.

And, now, for the low, low price of $4,000, those headbands can be yours. Jennifer Behr is the designer behind many of Blair’s magical head pieces, and to commemorate the series’ end, she’s selling a gift set of Blair’s greatest hits, including the ultimate “Queen B” headband (you know, the one bestowed so undeservedly on Little J at the end of season two). We can only assume/hope there’s a surprise night with Chuck Bass thrown in there.

Dear Santa, you know you love us. XOXO, Fashionista

Click through to see all nine headbands, and buy your Blair Waldorf gear here.

EricDaman_Style: GOSSIP GIRL GORGEOUS! (THX USWEEKLY!) 

Leighton Meester and Blake Lively were spotted shooting scenes for ‘Gossip Girl’ in Central Park yesterday.

Like many of you, I checked out of ‘Gossip Girl’ midway through last season, but this sighting has given me a reason to consider watching the show again (or at least this episode).

That’s because Leighton was wearing an Elie Saab Spring 2012 gown.

Her light blue long-sleeved embellished floral appliqué gown with an open neckline and cinched-in waist accented with tonal waistband was styled with a diamond-encrusted leafy tiara and turquoise earrings.

You may recall that Katy Perry wore a similar gown from the same collection to the Grammy Awards earlier this year.

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