Gossip Girl a Fashion Force

CW’s Gossip Girl has enjoyed only so-so ratings in its first year, but it's become a major trend-setter in fashion for young women, the New York Times reports. Retailers say the show, which features rich and preppy teens, has a huge influence on sales, sort of like a Sex and the City for the younger set. In addition, many designers are incorporating the show’s look into their fall lineups.

““The show has had a profound influence on retail," said the fashion director at Bloomingdale's. On its website, Gossip Girl offers a breakdown of the outfits worn in each episode and includes links to retailers selling the duds. Some designers even pay to have their clothes featured: having an item on the show “translates to sales” said designer Tory Burch. (More Gossip Girl stories.)