From Rags to Riches
Throughout the semester, I researched and explored the television series, Gossip Girl for Integrative Studio 2 and Seminar 2. The six seasons revolve around the lives of the privileged Upper East Siders- Blair Waldorf, Serena Van Der Woodsen, Chuck Bass and Nate Archibald. The secondary characters, Dan Humphrey, Jenny Humphrey and Vanessa Abrams, residing in Brooklyn, reflect the ideals of the upper middle class society in contrast to the aristocratic upper class.
When I first started ideating, I wanted to create a garment inspired by the style of Blair Waldorf and Serena Van Der Woodsen. But as I started making rough sketches, I realised I wanted to create an outfit that appeared ‘luxurious’ from rather affordable materials. This is exactly what the character of Jenny Humphrey did in Gossip Girl. She could not afford designer labels, so she tried to sew and wear clothes that appear fashionable and glamorous. Thus, I wanted to depict how admission to the upper class is partly through the culture of fashion. And I believe that evolving my idea turned into a success.
I went to Michaels and bought a two dollar, plain black t-shirt and purchased a cheap mesh fabric from a thrift store. My idea was to completely deconstruct the t-shirt to create a top that would blend in with the elegant style of the Upper East Side. This garment is not made with luxurious materials but the elements of this top are still read as “luxury”. By adding a layer of a sheer and glittery fabric over the cotton fabric, it creates an appearance of high quality fashion. I used the popular trend of strapless tube tops and one shoulder tops to embrace the fashionable lifestyle of Gossip Girl.
For the photoshoot of this garment, I decided to use the location of the Met Museum. The Met Museum is significantly important in Gossip Girl and I wanted my final photos to reflect the show.
