Bridge 4: Map and Outline

The Bridge 4 of Integrative Seminar 2 acted as a starting point for the final research paper, based on Gossip Girl.

Map

Final Paper Outline

1. Introduction

• • Hook
  • Importance of costume design
  • Quote by Eric Daman, Gossip Girl’s costume designer: “That’s what I really love about costumes and doing all this, is that you really get to create these characters and these emotions and develop who they are through what we see them wearing. It comes out on display.”
  • Thesis Statement: The themes of identity and class are an important aspect in today’s contemporary society. The television show, Gossip Girl depicts the significance of clothing and appearance within the upper class society in order to reflect how fashion can be used to determine personal identity, class, and social status.

2. Topic 1: About the television show, Gossip Girl

• • Themes of the show: wealthy lifestyle, drama/scandals, relationships, privilege
  • About the Lead Characters: Blair Waldorf, Serena Van Der Woodsen, Nate Archibald, Chuck Bass, Dan Humphrey

3. Topic 2: How Fashion represents Identity

• • Fashion and Identity are inseparable companions.
    • Every character has a significant identity portrayed with their costumes, specifically focusing on the first episode.

• • Blair Waldorf- Sophisticated, Pristine, Structured- with her headbands, ruffled collar, bowtie
  • Serena Van Der Woodsen- Free Spirit, Bohemian, Glamorous- with her loose tie, disheveled untucked shirt, rolled sleeves
  • Chuck Bass- Rich, Power, Playboy, Confidence- with his scarf, tucked shirt, messy hair,

• • The characters from the Upper East Side invest intense money and time in constructing their appearance. Scenes from extravagant parties and galas.
  • Blair Waldorf’s quote- “Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It’s movement, design, and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we’d like to be.”
  • The characters have their own signature pieces that reflect their personalities

• • Blair Waldorf- Headbands- she never wore the same headband again
  • Chuck Bass- Scarf, Suits

• • Fashion has a way of embodying social tensions-work vs play, conformity vs rebellion.

4. Topic 3: How Fashion represents Wealth & Social Status

• • Dress is capable of signifying one’s culture, propriety, economic status, and social power.
  • Reflects difference in wealth and class

• • Chuck Bass vs Dan Humphrey and Blair Waldorf vs Vanessa Abrams
  • Blair Waldorf vs Jenny Humphrey

• • High fashion is a strategic move to maintain social status.
  • Significance of brands such as Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch within the Upper East Siders
  • Relate to contemporary society
  • Fashion is interlinked with social tribes and bragging.

• • Blair, Serena, Nate, and Chuck are the original upper class clique- all four live a life of show and privilege, and stick together through everything.

5. Topic 4: How Fashion represents breaking Gender Norms

• • Gender expectations in fashion
  • How fashion redefined masculinity with Chuck Bass’s clothing
  • Interest in fashion does not mean that female have submitted to the patriarchy

• • Female lead characters- Blair and Serena have the most power and influence

6. Conclusion

• • Summarize key topics/points- Identity, Class, Gender Expectations
  • Restate Thesis Statement