New from 99% Invisible: Articles of Interest
The Six-Part Series Explores a Universal Art that We All Live In: Clothes
99% Invisible is a podcast about all the thought that goes into things we don’t normally think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. With nearly 300 million downloads, 99% Invisible is one of the most popular podcasts in the world.
This week, the show is launching its first special series, called Articles of Interest, hosted by longtime producer Avery Trufelman. After telling architecture stories for so long, Avery decided it was time to critically look at the design of something that affects people’s everyday lives: clothes.
The series is a six-part, thought-provoking look into what we wear and why. Starting today, for three weeks, twice-weekly episodes will air on the 99% Invisible podcast, each pertaining to a different aspect of dress. Each episode links together thematically to the next one, like a daisy chain. Think of it as a podcast concept album, all about clothes.
“Doing the research to create this series has opened up my mind to think more critically about what we wear. It’s completely changed the way I consume, and the way I dress. My goal is to inspire listeners to think about clothes in a way they never thought about it before, and to be more daring and more sustainable in what they wear.” -Avery Trufelman
Starting with a tale about computer punch cards and looms, stories will weave together a history and cultural account of clothes, fashion and the human experience. Listen to the trailer for Articles of Interest. Episodes will be released on Tuesdays and Fridays through October 12.
“ I’m so excited to bring this first-of-its-kind podcast series on clothing design to listeners through Avery’s vision and our unique approach to examining the world.” -Roman Mars
The first episode, out today, focuses on children’s clothing.
Why are children’s clothes so bright, loud and glittery? This is a question that plagues Joe, who is 4’8” and limited to shopping in the children’s department. He is on a constant search for unadorned, straight cut jeans or plain t-shirts in sophisticated hues. They’re near impossible to find. To find out why kid’s clothes are the way they are, Avery delves into the history of the modern concept of childhood and how autonomous we think kids ought to be. Then, she speaks to designers and industry veterans about the absurd amount of legal requirements and regulations secretly governing what children are allowed to wear.
The series will show the power of what clothing can do. Avery will cover a broad range of concepts, including the rise of casual wear, the environmental impact of the textile industry, how punk style allows young people to speak with their clothes when no one else will listen to them, the origins of the global phenomenon of plaid, and how gender constructs gave womenswear little pocket space.
