American Ivy: Chapter 7

American Ivy: Chapter 7

Author: Avery Trufelman December 7, 2022 Duration: 39:04

I have a confession to make.

To see images, notes and full transcripts, go to articlesofinterest.substack.com

Articles of Interest is made by Avery Trufelman

Edited by Kelly Prime

Mixed and Mastered by Ian Coss

Album art by Helen Shewolfe Tseng and photography by Matty Lynn Barnes

Theme songs are by Sasami, with additional music from Rhae Royal

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Avery Trufelman’s Articles of Interest digs into the often overlooked stories stitched into the fabric of our daily lives. This isn't just a fashion podcast in the conventional sense; it’s a deep, curious exploration of why we wear what we wear, treating clothing as a tangible record of culture, labor, identity, and even rebellion. Each episode feels like unfolding a carefully preserved garment from a trunk, revealing the hidden histories and complex meanings in everything from blue jeans and pockets to specific uniforms and forgotten trends. Trufelman’s approach is both personal and rigorously researched, blending narrative storytelling with insightful interviews. Listeners hear the rustle of taffeta and the hum of sewing machines, but also the voices of designers, historians, and everyday people, all piecing together how our wardrobe choices reflect deeper societal shifts. The series, nestled within the broader Arts and Beauty landscape, redefines these categories by arguing that what we put on our bodies is one of our most intimate forms of expression and communication. Tune in for a thoughtful, beautifully produced journey that will change the way you look at your own closet and the world walking past you on the street.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 60

Articles of Interest
Podcast Episodes
Paper and Rubber [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:32
This is about two examples of cloth-alternatives. One that went extinct. And one that’s very much alive. This story deals with sex and sexuality. But in a fun way! Images, links, and more details at articlesofinterest.su…
Fashion Without Capitalism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:46
In the 1980s, Budapest was not quite socialist and not quite capitalist, and there was one fashion designer who thrived in this moment. This is the story of Tamás Király, an unusual artist from an unusual period of Hunga…
The Black Fashion Museum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:20
The tricky thing about fashion is that, in order to preserve its history, you need to preserve physical garments. And, alas, closet space is finite, cloth gets sun-bleached and eaten by moths, and Americans notoriously d…
Prison Uniforms (with Ear Hustle) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:58
Prison uniforms are not, in fact, uniform. There are so many types of clothes that are worn across different facilities… including … some prisons that don’t have uniforms at all. This episode is a special collaboration b…
How To Dress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:43
Think of this mini episode as a tiny makeover in your ears. Amy Smilovic, the founder of Tibi, has some of the best advice when it comes to gathering a wardrobe and putting outfits together. These are some of my favorite…
Our Mannequins, Ourselves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:46
Behind the scenes at the Costume Institute, we see how long it really takes to dress a mannequin. And learn about a few famous mannequins from the past. For images, links, and more, go to articlesofinterest.substack.com…
Inside The Factory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:12
On the ten year anniversary of a horrible manufacturing disaster- a look at what has changed, what hasn’t, and the massive secret industry behind it all. If you’d like to sign the petition from Clean Clothes Campaign, cl…
On Pointe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:55
The pointe shoe is a design that balances at the very tip of both tradition and innovation. What can make it change? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The Clueless Closet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:49
Ever since 1995, a generation has been dreaming of Cher’s digital closet from the movie Clueless. So why don’t we have it yet? It’s not the technology. It’s a psychological problem with the way fashion works. Learn about…
American Ivy: Chapter 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:14
As the 80s turns into the 90s, preppy is everywhere. All over the planet. In the United States AND Japan. And sure, preppy sort of morphs into business casual. But it also turns into something else. Something way more fa…