“Downton Abbey” inspires retail line

The hit show is launching furniture, clothes, beauty products and more

Topics: Downton Abbey, Fashion, clothes, Retail, Branding, Television,

(Credit: AP Photo/PBS, Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE, Nick Briggs)

ITV’s surpise hit “Downton Abbey” is expanding its global empire with a “range of products,” turning itself into a brand. According to a CNBC interview with Gareth Neame, the show’s executive producer and production company Carnival Films’ managing director, you’ll soon be able to wear “Downtown Abbey”, cook like “Downtown Abbey,” smell like “Downton Abbey,” look like “Downton Abbey,” write like “Downton Abbey” and sit in rooms like “Downton Abbey”:

“We’ll be working across an entire range of products coming out this year. From fashion, apparel and homeware and furniture to wallpapers, beauty products and stationary,” Neame, who is also the show’s executive producer, told CNBC.

“Some of these things have been available since 2012 and we publish books and have made a music album, but the more complex products take time,” he said, adding that there would be even more scope for merchandizing in the future.

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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