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What We Wear

While looking for some fashion shows on Netflix I came across the documentary series Worn Stories, based on the book by Emily Spivak, which has eight themed episodes in which people talk about a wide variety of clothing and what it means to them. There are also four different stories in each episode that showcase a specific item of clothing cherished by someone, who then tells you the backstory.

Since the first episode featured segments involving nudists I wasn't sure I'd really care for this one. I'm not a prude, but forcing others to see you naked is a compulsion that I will never understand. Still, the other stories were interesting, and the nudity seemed restricted to the first episode, so I kept on watching. From a non-binary Jewish kid putting together an outfit for their gender-neutral coming of age ceremony to a survivor of US Airways Flight 1549 talking about his ruined boots, all the storytellers have very compelling tales to tell.

Some of the stories are very sad, so it might be depressing to watch at times. Still, I liked knowing the backstories behind the clothes people cherish. I have a few of my own garments that I've treasured, including one shirt that is about fifty years old now. :) Overall I found the series very comforting, and really enjoyed the storytelling. Available to watch on Netflix.

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