Articles of Interest

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.

Explore the cultural significance and fashion trends of Hawaiian shirts. Learn about the process of making authentic high-quality aloha shirts and the storytelling significance of patterns. Discover the technological advancements and political tensions in Hawaii during the late 19th century. Uncover the story of Lili O'Kalani and her quilt while under house arrest. Delve into the history and influence of Japanese immigrants in Hawaiian shirt production. Witness the rise of synthetic fibers and the desire for comfortable clothing.

The podcast discusses the lack of functional pockets in women's clothing, and explores the historical context and significance of pockets in terms of preparedness, mobility, and confidence. It examines the evolution of pockets in fashion, from separate garments to reticules, and raises questions about the gendered nature of clothes and the importance of pockets in our daily lives.

Lumberjacks wore plaid. Punks wore plaid mini skirts. The Beach Boys used to be called the Pendletones, and they wore plaid with their surfboards. Lots of different groups have adopted the pattern over the course of the 20th century, but if we want to explore how this pattern proliferated, we’ve got to go to Scotland. Articles of Interest is a show about what we wear, created by Avery Trufelman; a six-part series from 99% Invisible, looking at clothing. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Clothes are records of the bodies we’ve lived in. Think of the old sweater that you used to have that’s just not your style anymore, or the jeans that just aren’t your size anymore. We are like snakes who shed our skins and grow new ones as we age. And it all starts in the kids’ department. Articles of Interest is a show about what we wear, created by Avery Trufelman; a six-part series within 99% Invisible, looking at clothing.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices