We were in Melbourne recently and when there I always visit the bookshops. I have been fairly good this year in limiting my book buying and tend to use the library more frequently but I couldn’t pass up the chance to go to the bookshops and of course there were books I wanted to buy.
This particular book was one that I had listed in my notes of books I wanted to read. I had seen a review for it in a catalogue for summer reading! We are now heading into winter.
“Who makes your clothes? This used to be an easy question to answer: it was the seamstress next door or the tailor on the high street – or you made them yourself. Today we rarely know the origins of the clothes hanging in our closets. The local shoemaker, dressmaker and milliner are long gone, replaced by a globalised fashion industry worth $1.5 trillion a year.
In Wardrobe Crisis, fashion journalist, Clare Press explores the history and ethics behind what we wear. Putting her insider status to good use, Press examines the entire fashion ecosystem from sweat shops to haute couture, unearthing the roots of today’s buy-and-discard culture. She traces the origins of icons like Chanel, Dior and Hermès; charts the rise and fall of the department store; and follows the thread that led us from Marie Antoinette to Carrie Bradshaw.”
I loved this book. It was a real revelation for me about what is involved in the fashion industry and made me realise that we are all indeed slaves to fashion though we may not realize it.
I learnt a great deal while reading this book and it is interesting to note that in the last few books I have read there has been mention of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Her writings are still relevant in many aspects of our world today. If you haven’t read that book it is one you should read now.
If you are interested in fashion or how your clothes are produced then this is certainly a book worth reading. As I said, I loved it.
Gippsland Granny 
so many interesting posts, Heather, stirring thoughts, memories and new directions too. I’m not a major commenter, but love your blog. I dislike, a tad the term blog , does’nt have the ring of short story or fondly conversation. Thanks for the reflections . Reference and link to Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. got me intrigued. Departing this world in the mid 60’s it seems she,a pioneer in exposing truths and getting folks activated. I’ll read further.
I really had no idea how much environmental damage is done in the production of clothing. The book was a real eye opener. It is good to know that there are people out there now trying to remedy the situation. You already make use of recycling and upcycling which is what we really need to do with our clothing. Make use of op shops and mend our clothing that needs repair. We also buy far too many items of clothing. We need to keep our wardrobe to a minimum.
Thanks for you kind words on the blog. I have neglected it for a while but now seem to be into the swing of it again.
thanks Heather, moral dilemmas face us each day when we buy our milk or t shirts, good advice from you re recycling etc. I try hard on that front.