We thought she was part of the past, yet Blair Waldorf and her wardrobe still inspire younger generations. Photo: AFP
If you thought you'd seen the end of Blair Waldorf and her sidekick Serena Van Der Woodsen's excessively posh – and expensive – dresses, think again.
The "Plazacore" trend, directly inspired by their coveted wardrobes, continues to make waves on social networks, sparking an unprecedented craze for outfits that are sophisticated but largely inaccessible.
Nestled on chic Fifth Avenue, with a spectacular view of Central Park, New York's Plaza Hotel is one of the city's most famous luxury establishments.
Not content with having played host – in the past and present – to the international A-list, it can now also boast of being name-checked in a fashion inspiration that is making the rounds on social networks.
Read more: Icon of workwear, overalls are making a comeback on the fashion scene
"Plazacore" – with a capital letter, if you please – draws its source from the closets of the hotel's most prestigious guests, whether real or fictional.
In fact, the "Plazacore" trend is epitomised by one name: Blair Cornelia Waldorf, one of the two main heroines of the successful series Gossip Girl – the original version – whose outfits in every episode were scrutinised upon their broadcast from the late 2000s to the early 2010s.
Headbands, tweed, pearls, knee-high socks, ruffled shirts, ballet flats, heeled loafers, pleated skirts, babydoll dresses...
A rich assortment of the preppy look, with some princess style thrown into the mix, indissociable from Blair Waldorf's character, which is now being copied all over the world, in the form of the "Plazacore" trend.
TikTok, where the trend is skyrocketing, has been transformed into a real-life Upper East Side, with a host of videos featuring the iconic looks of its wealthy habitues.
It may be a surprising trend to emerge during a period of economic uncertainty and inflation but the fact remains that while the average person can't wear such designer outfits on a daily basis, they may be content to come as close as possible thanks to a healthy imagination – and a lot of whimsical accessories.
On the Chinese social network, "Plazacore" has already generated hundreds of thousands of views, not to mention its countless variations, notably associated with the famous preppy style.
And it is clear that Waldorf is nearly always cited as an exemplary icon of this style.
Which isn't surprising if we remember that the legendary hotel plays a key role as it's with the Plaza as a backdrop that Charles Bass, aka Chuck finally says those three highly anticipated words – I love you – to his beloved.
Read more: How grey lipstick got the green light from fashion stars
And it looks to be more than a short-lived whim.
In the months to come, this key trend will continue to inspire the fashion scene if we can believe the latest ready-to-wear shows dedicated to the Spring/Summer 2023 season.
Thom Browne was one of the major labels to have propagated the phenomenon with a host of pleated skirts and dress coats. Many designers made the beret a favourite accessory too...
A host of pieces that should appeal to all fashionistas who are just waiting to awaken their inner Blair Waldorf. – AFP Relaxnews
