Traceable

Gr 9 Up—Fast fashion has resulted in consumers considering clothing purchases as inexpensive throwaway items to be quickly replaced. This documentary strongly stresses the need for traceability and transparency in the clothing industry: to be aware of where an item comes from, who made it, and under what conditions. It also advises buyers to purchase less clothing and buy higher-quality products and keep them longer. Primarily profiling a young designer, Laura Siegel, and her advocacy of local artisans from India, the film highlights the step-by-step process of weaving, dyeing, and producing fabrics and embroideries. However, the cost of such artisan clothing is not discussed, and the shops selling the items are out of reach for most consumers. There is no discussion as to how affordable clothing can be manufactured in a nonexploitative manner. The well-meaning and important message of the human and environmental degradation resulting from fast fashion is unfortunately diminished.