Clothing Poverty: The Hidden World of Fast Fashion and Second-Hand Clothes

Clothing Poverty follows a pair of jeans to reveal the fast fashion and recycling industry, showing how recycled clothes are traded across continents, how retailers and international charities are embroiled in commodity chains, and how hidden trade networks transect the globe. The author retraces his steps to look at the fashion industry today and considers how it has changed in response to consumer pressure for more ethical clothing.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 296 pages
\n Publication date: 15 October 2019
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Have you ever stopped and pondered the origin of your jeans? Who crafted them and where? Have you ever wondered what happens to them after you donate them for recycling?

Clothing Poverty takes the reader on a captivating global journey to unravel the intricate processes behind clothing manufacturing and retail. Through the lens of a pair of jeans, Andrew Brooks sheds light on the interconnectedness of fast fashion and recycling. He reveals how recycled clothes are traded across continents, exposes the involvement of retailers and international charities in perpetuating poverty through commodity chains, and unveils the hidden trade networks that span the globe.

In this revised and updated edition, Brooks takes us on a fresh exploration of the fashion industry, examining how it has responded to mounting consumer demand for more ethical clothing. He weaves together rich narratives, encompassing diverse locations such as Mozambican markets, Nigerian smugglers, Chinese factories, London's vintage clothing scene, TOMS shoes, and Vivienne Westwood's ethical fashion lines. Brooks uncovers the multifaceted aspects of fashion, unveiling the hidden sides that often go unnoticed.

This thought-provoking book encourages readers to contemplate the impact of their fashion choices on individuals and communities worldwide. It raises important questions about the ethics of the fashion industry, the exploitation of workers, and the environmental consequences of fast fashion. Clothing Poverty serves as a call to action, urging consumers to be more mindful of the products they purchase and to support sustainable and ethical fashion practices.

By delving into the origins and journeys of a single pair of jeans, this book offers a unique perspective on the global fashion industry. It encourages readers to think critically about the clothes they wear and the impact they have on the world around them. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast, an environmentalist, or simply someone interested in understanding the complexities of our world, Clothing Poverty is a must-read that will leave you enlightened and motivated to make a positive change.

\n Weight: 444g\n
Dimension: 130 x 199 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786997371\n
Edition number: 2 ed\n