Articles of Interest

Articles of Interest is a show about what we wear. And for a long time, one particular look has come back in style again and again and again. Or maybe it never went away. Season 3 will get to the bottom of it. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A wedding was once seen as a start of young adulthood. Now, a wedding has come to represent a crowning achievement -- a symbol that your whole life is together and you have accrued the time and space and resources to afford your ascent to another level of fulfillment. And there's no greater symbol for this day, and all the pressure it brings, than a white dress. Articles of Interest is a limited-run podcast series about fashion, housed inside the design and architecture podcast 99% Invisible. Launched in 2018 by Avery Trufelman, the show encourages people to rethink the way we look at what we wear and what it says about us. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Diamonds represent value, in all its multiple meanings: values, as in ethics, and value as in actual price. But what are these rocks actually worth? The ethics and costs of diamond rings have shifted with society, from their artificial scarcity perpetuated by DeBeers to their artificial creation in labs. Articles of Interest is a limited-run podcast series about fashion, housed inside the design and architecture podcast 99% Invisible. Launched in 2018 by Avery Trufelman, the show encourages people to rethink the way we look at what we wear and what it says about us. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ian Kelly, a historian and biographer, dives into the life of Beau Brummell, the man credited with revolutionizing men's fashion. They explore how Brummell’s influence ushered in the era of minimalist suits, blending elegance with restraint. Discussion spans the shift from ornate court dress to modern tailoring, the significance of military-inspired uniforms, and the rise of fashion celebrity culture. They also touch on how contemporary icons like Billy Porter challenge the norms, suggesting that a new style revolution might be on the horizon.

The world of high end perfume is surprisingly lucrative, considering that scent is often the most ignored of our senses. But one can't judge a scent solely by the brand and shape of the bottle. With the right amount of attention, perfume can be a key to a whole olfactory world. Articles of Interest is a limited-run podcast series about fashion, housed inside the design and architecture podcast 99% Invisible. Launched in 2018 by Avery Trufelman, the show encourages people to rethink the way we look at what we wear and what it says about us. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Dapper Dan, a groundbreaking designer from Harlem known for remixing luxury logos into high-end hip-hop fashion, shares his journey from street hustler to fashion icon. He discusses his early love for clothing and transformation into a custom atelier owner. The conversation dives into trademark law and the influence of Canal Street knockoffs, revealing how his bold designs have challenged major brands. He recounts the trials of legal battles, his eventual collaboration with Gucci, and how social media reignited his legacy. Dapper Dan's story is a powerful take on creativity and resilience in fashion.

In the wake of World War II, the government of France commissioned its most prominent designers to create a collection of miniature fashion dolls. It might seem like an odd thing to fund, but the fantasy of high fashion inspired hope in postwar Paris. These dolls also forever changed the curator who discovered them almost 40 years later, in a strange museum perched on a cliff in rural Washington state. Articles of Interest is a limited-run podcast series about fashion, housed inside the design and architecture podcast 99% Invisible. Launched in 2018 by Avery Trufelman, the show encourages people to rethink the way we look at what we wear and what it says about us. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

"Articles of Interest" theme song by Sasami Ashworth Sasami’s new album is out now. Get it! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Don Letts, a legendary DJ and filmmaker, shares his experiences at the intersection of reggae and punk cultures. He discusses how punk's visual style emerged from defiance and the importance of clothing as cultural expression, especially for marginalized groups. The conversation delves into the DIY ethos of punk fashion, its global spread, and how figures like Vivienne Westwood shaped its aesthetic. Letts also explores the political nature of fashion and how style can empower individuals, bridging historical influences with modern expressions.

Learn about the history and wear of blue jeans, the significance of indigo as a cash crop, the environmental impact of denim production, and strategies to minimize the footprint through repair and continued use.