Clotheshorse all-star Alex of St. Evens is back today to talk about the exciting history of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, also known as the ILGWU. We’ll talk about the history of garment work, how unions changed it, and how our clothes are made today. We’ll also take some detours to Sex and the City and Costco. And we’ll also talk about why you YES YOU should care about clothing!
Read Alex’s Vintage Detective column about the ILGWU at Clotheshorse.world!
Alex’s extra credit reading recommendations:
Liberated Threads : Black Women, Style, and the Global Politics of Soul by Tanisha C. Ford
Fighting for the Union Label : The Women’s Garment Industry and the ILGWU in Pennsylvania by Nicole H. Wolensky, Kenneth C. Wolensky, Robert P. Wolensky
How to Kill a City : Gentrification, Inequality, and the Fight for the Neighborhood by P.E. Moskowitz and Peter Moskowitz
Watch some ILGWU television commercials!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lg4gGk53iY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO7VUklDlQw
If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: [email protected]
Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality–made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.
Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one’s closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.
Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns and at www.republicaunicornia.com.
Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points. If it’s ethical and legal, we try to find a new home for it! Vintage style with progressive values. Find us on Instagram at @CuteLittleRuin.
