Torn

BBC Radio 4

Gus Casely-Hayford unpicks the hidden histories behind what we wear by exploring ten key moments in fashion spanning the globe and five centuries. From the start of the global trade in cotton, to the accidental invention of artificial dyes, to Nike Air Jordans, Casely-Hayford reveals the historical weight we carry through our clothes and the statements we make just by getting dressed in the morning.

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11 episodes
Avg 13 min
English

Episodes 11

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Aug 30, 2022 · 15 min
Air Jordans
Gus Casely-Hayford tells of how Air Jordans kickstarted a revolution in trainers.
Aug 29, 2022 · 15 min
Ray-Ban
Gus Casely-Hayford charts the history of Ray-Ban sunglasses from Aviators to Wayfarers.
Aug 29, 2022 · 15 min
Miniskirt
Gus Casely-Hayford explores the controversial history of the miniskirt.
Aug 29, 2022 · 14 min
Fisherman Sweater
Gus Casely-Hayford discovers how the traditional fisherman sweater entered into fashion.
Aug 29, 2022 · 14 min
Readymade Suit
Gus Casely-Hayford unravels the past and present of garment sweatshops.
Aug 22, 2022 · 14 min
Viscose Rayon
Gus Casely-Hayford explores the history of viscose rayon, first known as 'fake silk'.
Aug 22, 2022 · 14 min
Mauve Mania
Gus Casely-Hayford explores how synthetic dyes have changed us and the planet.
Aug 22, 2022 · 14 min
Wax Print
Gus Casely-Hayford explores the history of wax print fabric worn by Africans.
Aug 22, 2022 · 15 min
Indian chintz dress
Gus Casely-Hayford explores the triumphs of black Americans in fashion from slavery to now
Aug 22, 2022 · 14 min
Calico cotton
Gus Casely-Hayford tells the story of what makes cotton contentious and revolutionary.
Aug 15, 2022 · 3 min
Introducing Torn
This is Torn - the series that unpicks the hidden histories behind what we wear.

Showing 1–11 of 11 episodes