Fashion is often seen as elitist or superficial, but for Avery Trufelman, it's a rich and complex world that deserves exploration. Her podcast, Articles of Interest, delves into the history, politics, and power dynamics of fashion, making it a surprisingly engaging listen.
Trufelman's approach is smart and animated, treating a subject often dismissed as shallow with heft and historicism. The result has been a huge success, with episodes downloaded over 10 million times and the podcast ranked among the best by Time magazine and The New Yorker.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Articles of Interest is its ability to expose uncomfortable connections between civilian clothing and the military. Trufelman's latest series, Gear, explores the links between American military clothing and civilian outdoor wear, revealing how these two worlds have become increasingly intertwined in recent years.
The podcast also offers a unique perspective on fashion trends, suggesting that they are all about expression of temporality - acknowledging that our tastes and experiences change over time. This is exemplified by Trufelman's enthusiasm for camouflage, which she finds "rich and complicated."
Trufelman's journey into the world of fashion began with her work on another popular podcast, 99% Invisible. She wanted to explore clothing beyond design, which led her to develop Articles of Interest. The podcast has burst with fascinating characters and facts, including episodes on plaid, paisley, and the colonial roots of Hawaiian shirts.
The result is a refreshingly honest look at fashion that moves beyond snobbery and clickbait micro-trends. Trufelman encourages listeners to see fashion as an expression of their lived experience, acknowledging that our tastes change over time. This approach has resonated with audiences far beyond the world of fashion.
Trufelman's own style is effortless and joyful, which she attributes to her love for clothing. She spends so much time exploring the world of fashion that it makes her "love everything," from camouflage to bespoke suits. Her enthusiasm is contagious, making even the most seemingly innocuous garments feel rich and interesting.
Ultimately, Articles of Interest is a testament to the power of storytelling in fashion. By delving into the history, politics, and cultural context of clothing, Trufelman reveals the complexity and depth of this often-maligned subject. It's a direction that makes us laugh, learn, and maybe even challenge our own assumptions about fashion.
Trufelman's approach is smart and animated, treating a subject often dismissed as shallow with heft and historicism. The result has been a huge success, with episodes downloaded over 10 million times and the podcast ranked among the best by Time magazine and The New Yorker.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Articles of Interest is its ability to expose uncomfortable connections between civilian clothing and the military. Trufelman's latest series, Gear, explores the links between American military clothing and civilian outdoor wear, revealing how these two worlds have become increasingly intertwined in recent years.
The podcast also offers a unique perspective on fashion trends, suggesting that they are all about expression of temporality - acknowledging that our tastes and experiences change over time. This is exemplified by Trufelman's enthusiasm for camouflage, which she finds "rich and complicated."
Trufelman's journey into the world of fashion began with her work on another popular podcast, 99% Invisible. She wanted to explore clothing beyond design, which led her to develop Articles of Interest. The podcast has burst with fascinating characters and facts, including episodes on plaid, paisley, and the colonial roots of Hawaiian shirts.
The result is a refreshingly honest look at fashion that moves beyond snobbery and clickbait micro-trends. Trufelman encourages listeners to see fashion as an expression of their lived experience, acknowledging that our tastes change over time. This approach has resonated with audiences far beyond the world of fashion.
Trufelman's own style is effortless and joyful, which she attributes to her love for clothing. She spends so much time exploring the world of fashion that it makes her "love everything," from camouflage to bespoke suits. Her enthusiasm is contagious, making even the most seemingly innocuous garments feel rich and interesting.
Ultimately, Articles of Interest is a testament to the power of storytelling in fashion. By delving into the history, politics, and cultural context of clothing, Trufelman reveals the complexity and depth of this often-maligned subject. It's a direction that makes us laugh, learn, and maybe even challenge our own assumptions about fashion.