
Mad Men, the Most Important Television Show Ever Reviewed, isn't just a marketer's wet dream, what with all the obvious product placement opportunities. It's also a retailer's boon: The 1960s period drama on AMC has made the era's fashions du moment, with designers looking to the show for inspiration on what to deliver this fall. Michael Kors and Theory have hopped on board, and Bloomingdale's is all but whoring out its display windows for the show. Magazines like GQ are looking to the show's stars for fashion spreads on the season's new suits. Mad Men, just like its ability to influence drinking in the workplace, also influences what you'll wear to work. Thanks to the show, retailers are "offering a refreshing alternative to the flip-flops and baby-doll dresses that had become de rigueur," says AdAge. Which is all well and good — until 90210 premieres Sept. 2 on The CW, and spring fashions are re-stuffed with gladiator sandals, skooter skirts, and polo shirts.