Show Notes
Last month, Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy for the second time. It is planning to close all of its stores in the coming months as it winds down its operations. This is not a eulogy for Forever 21, but it is a deep dive into how one retailer change changed our habits, along with the entire business of making and selling clothing. We’ll be talking about the following topics: The history of Forever 21: where it started, how it grew, and where it went wrong, The many ways that Forever 21 changed our relationship with clothing, including how much we were willing to pay and how long we expected a garment to last, How cultural and social trends of the 00s (including "high/low style") helped Forever 21 grow, The ways in which Forever 21 paved the way for ultra fast fashion brands like SHEIN...only to fall behind in the end. And so much more! We'll also feel a little bit (just a tiny bit) nostalgic for Sparks (the caffeinated malt liquor) and summer nights spent biking around Portland, OR. Additional reading: "One Family Built Forever 21, and Fueled Its Collapse," Sapna Maheshwari, The New York Times. "Faster Fashion, Cheaper Chic," Ruth La Ferla, The New York Times. "Forever 21 Bankruptcy Unmasks Major Debt Load, Positions Suppliers for ‘Instability’," Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal. "Shein and Forever 21 Team Up in Fast-Fashion Deal," Jordyn Holman, The New York Times. "Forever 21’s Linda Chang: Overexpansion brought company to bankruptcy," Madeline Speed, Vogue Business. "Bankrupt and loving it: Welcome to the lucrative world of undead brands," Alina Selyukh, NPR. "Boycott Forever 21," Liz Black, Huff Post. Urban Counterfeiters
Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/ 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] Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:
The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com
St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.
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.
Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling
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