Each week, we spotlight a book that inspires, educates, and deepens our understanding of fashion’s impact on the world. From sustainability to social change, these recommendations will feature voices shaping the future of the industry. You can find all of our previous recommendations here, in the Fashion Roundtable Library. We’d love to hear your thoughts, and if you have a book to recommend then send us a message and let us know.
Fashion Roundtable Library: Dangerous Bodies by Dr. Royce Mahawatte and Jacki Willson
Fashion is more than just clothing, it’s a medium through which we navigate power, identity, and societal norms. Dangerous Bodies by Dr. Royce Mahawatte and Jacki Willson offers an incisive exploration of how the human body, clothed or otherwise, has historically been a site of both oppression and defiance. This thought-provoking book examines themes like beauty standards, sexuality, and political resistance, weaving together cultural criticism with rich historical and theoretical insights.
Royce Mahawatte, an expert in Gothic studies and Victorian culture, brings a deep understanding of how historical narratives shape modern identities. Jacki Willson, a scholar specializing in performance and gender, adds a nuanced perspective on the body as a performative space. Together, they create a compelling dialogue about how fashion interacts with power structures and the human experience.
For anyone interested in the intersections of fashion, identity, and social change, Dangerous Bodies is a must read. It challenges us to rethink the cultural significance of what we wear and how we wear it. Add it to your library for a deeper understanding of the body as a dynamic and contested space within the world of fashion.
Royce was the lead researcher for Fashion Roundtable's Representation and Inclusion in the Fashion Industry report and you can hear his podcast about this work with Davina Appiagyei in our back catalogue of podcasts here
Eight Weeks by Baroness Lola Young
Releasing on 28th November 2024, Eight Weeks by Baroness Lola Young is a powerful exploration of one woman’s fight for justice, dignity, and equality. A renowned advocate for social change, Baroness Young brings her extensive experience in activism and the arts to this striking narrative. A life peer and one of the first black women in the House of Lords, Baroness Young is celebrated for her work in human rights, sustainable fashion, and addressing structural inequalities.
Her debut book merges these passions with her remarkable storytelling ability. Set during a critical eight-week campaign against systemic injustices, the book weaves an inspiring tale of resilience and determination. While a fictional story, it draws deeply from Baroness Young’s lived experiences in foster care and her unwavering commitment to creating a better future. Expect a narrative as thought-provoking as it is hopeful, addressing themes of activism, identity, and the ongoing struggle for equity.
Baroness Young has long been a supporter of Fashion Roundtable, and we sat down with her a few weeks ago to record our latest podcast exploring her motivations to continue advocating for human rights and the transformation of the fashion industry, and chat about her new book.
Eight Weeks is an essential read for anyone invested in fashion, politics, or social change—a testament to how individual efforts can spark collective transformation. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired by a leading voice in progressive action. Mark your calendars for this transformative release!
Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time (and How to Spend It Better) by Pete Etchells
In Unlocked, Pete Etchells, Professor of Psychology and Science Communication at Bath Spa University, cuts through sensationalist narratives to explore the real impact of screen time on our well-being. Blending science with storytelling, he investigates how technology shapes our mental health, creativity, and relationships, offering practical advice on building healthier digital habits.
The themes of the book theme align with Fashion Roundtable’s commitment to fostering a creative wellbeing economy—one that prioritises balanced, intentional use of technology to support both innovation and mental health. Screens have come to dominate every corner of the fashion industry, once an inherently hands-on sector.
Etchells reminds us that it’s not about rejecting screens, but about using them to enrich rather than deplete our lives—a vital perspective in our fast-paced digital world.
Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World by Parmy Olson
Fashion Roundtable’s book recommendation this week is Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World by Parmy Olson
From award-winning journalist Parmy Olson, Supremacy is the astonishing, untold, behind-the-scenes story of the battle between two AI companies, their struggles to use their tech for good, and the dangerous direction that they’re now going in.
Discover the never-before-told story of the ruthless shadow race between Microsoft and Google, as both compete to develop a mass-market AI while juggling existential questions of ethics, human progress and the future of the world as we know it.
When ChatGPT was released, the world changed overnight. Even as we all played with the new toy, a very real danger was quickly coming to light: that untested automations would undermine our way of life insidiously, sucking value out of our economy, replacing high-level creative jobs and enabling a new, terrifying era of disinformation.
It was never meant to be this way. The founders of the two companies behind the most advanced AIs in existence – Open AI (ChatGPT) and DeepMind (Bard) – started their journeys determined to solve humanity’s greatest problems. But they couldn’t develop their technologies without huge amounts of money – money that Microsoft and Google were more than happy to give them, in exchange for the most powerful seats at the table.
Featuring a cast of larger-than-life characters, including Elon Musk, Larry Page, Sergey Brin and Peter Thiel, Supremacy is a story of manipulation, exploitation, secrecy and of ruthless, relentless human progress – progress that will impact all of us for years to come.
Sustainable Fashion, Migrants, Embroidery: Ateliers of 'Social Integration' by Alessandra Lopez y Royo
For our first book recommendation, we’re delighted to recommend Sustainable Fashion, Migrants, Embroidery: Ateliers of 'Social Integration' by Alessandra Lopez y Royo.
The book takes readers on an eye-opening journey to discover the community-driven 'solidarity ateliers' in both the Global North and South. These artisans are offering an alternative to fast fashion by fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing that integrate with local communities. Through fieldwork in Morocco, Southern Italy, and London, Lopez y Royo uncovers how these spaces empower migrants and refugees, while challenging traditional ideas of empowerment and social integration. This thought-provoking book offers a fresh perspective on how slow fashion can drive both social change and sustainability.
Thanks Alessandra for sharing your work with us!