High Heels
High heels are no longer as high as they were twelve years ago. What happened? An analysis of a trend. For images and links, head to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Articles of Interest is a show about what we wear.
Produced and Hosted by Avery Trufelman

High heels are no longer as high as they were twelve years ago. What happened? An analysis of a trend. For images and links, head to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Brought to you by Macy's: a little interview with Molly Rogers, the underground renegade behind some of the most fashionable media out there. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
I promise, this has to do with clothes. As ever, resources and links at articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
This episode explores how Archie Comics, particularly characters Betty and Veronica, became unexpected fashion icons. It traces their evolution from early comic book figures to trendsetters, influenced by historical shifts like the emergence of the "teenager" concept and the work of artist Dan DeCarlo. The discussion also covers the impact of the Comics Code Authority, Archie's expansion into grocery stores, and the modern fashion interpretations seen in the Riverdale TV series, highlighting the characters' enduring cultural and personal significance.
The USA is a young country, but our fashion design is even younger. Like who are the titans of American fashion design? It’s Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren...these designers who are all still alive . And if you want to look at where these titans of American fashion design got it all from, there was a great American fashion designer who many of them were looking towards. To see Claire McCardell's incredible modern fashions for yourself, head to articlesofinterest.substack...
This episode explores the surprising story behind the iconic bra designed by Zoe Curland's father for Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich. Zoe navigates her own body image and identity, spurred by the character's powerful presence. Her journey culminates in an interview with the real Erin Brockovich, revealing insights into media portrayal, personal style, and finding authentic self-confidence.
Pastor Zach never liked to wear a clerical collar. Suddenly, he finds himself wearing one all the time. Join me in supporting the multifaith nonprofit ISAIAH Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
What role does fashion have in a time of crisis? This is one of my favorite stories I've ever made. But there have been some updates since it came out. For images, references, and links head to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
This is one of the best pieces of fashion reporting I have ever heard: it's a reworked version of a story that originally aired on the NPR podcast Planet Money . And to get my recommendations of well made, relatively ethically produced t- shirts, head to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...
A recording of an intimate conversation at Ludlow House, where the venerable Jad Abumrad asked me some questions about Gear. For images (and the link to the game I talked about) head to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Soldiers and civilians live in different Americas. But we don't have to. For images, links and more, go to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
"Gorpcore" emerges.... from (maybe, potentially) unexpected places. For images, links, and more information, head to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
A pattern for blending in. And for standing out. For images and links go to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The end of the draft leads to the yuppification of the field jacket. Images links and more at articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The outdoors is no longer for macho men. In fact, now it's for babies. Images, links, and more information at articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Gear gets defined by scientific testing and research. And this process was pioneered with the development of the field jacket. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
This episode traces the surprising connections between classic American menswear and military origins, revealing how items like khakis and T-shirts derive from surplus and battle-tested designs. It uncovers the profound influence of military contracts on US manufacturing, particularly in the outdoor industry, and examines how cultural anxieties about masculinity, peace, and national identity fueled America's pursuit of war, ultimately shaping both its military uniforms and civilian wardrobes, leading to the adoption of khaki and a new era of global intervention.
The next series from Articles of Interest Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Zippers are the most common machine all around us. But it's a minor miracle how that came to be. Pictures of early zippers and other links at articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The episode delves into the unexpected journey of sunglasses, tracing their origins from practical necessity and celebrity glamour to their current status as essential eye protection. It uncovers how they became a symbol of "cool," how historical designs were born from practicality, and the impact of major corporations like Luxottica on the eyewear industry. Ultimately, it highlights the blend of fashion, history, and health that defines sunglasses today.
The episode delves into the complex history of school uniforms in the American education system, tracing their evolution from charitable institutions and Native American boarding schools to their widespread adoption in Catholic and public schools. It examines uniforms' dual role as equalizers and tools of control, influenced by cultural shifts, religious identity, and perceived school disorder. Through interviews and historical context, the discussion highlights how uniforms shape student identity, spark debates over free speech, and contribute to issues like the school-to-prison pipeline, ultimately questioning who truly benefits from their implementation.
Nate Dimeo is a longtime radio hero of mine. And praises be, now he has a book out of his stories, called The Memory Palace: True Short Stories of The Past . Enjoy this sampler of his audiobook and a favorite episode of mine. And consider supporting both Articles of Interest and The Memory Palace by donating to Radiotopia . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...
What Catholic priests wear, and the insight it provides into what we laypeople wear. For images of what vestments look like and more, go to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
In honor of the Met Gala, a special feature. This is an episode I produced with one of my favorite podcasts, Decoder Ring . Together we asked the questions: what is a celebrity stylist? Where did this job come from? The answer was very fun. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Why would God care what we wear? A tour through Islam, Mormonism, and Judaism, and all of their varying and overlapping commands. For more images and information, go to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sometimes it’s liberating to be naked. Sometimes it’s really really not. Notes, links, and images at articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Color. Why we need it. Why we fear it. And where its future might lie. Images and links at articlesofinterest.substack.com Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support Articles of Interest . Thank you! https://on.prx.org/3sbvvOR Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
On stage in Toronto, with the help of shoe designer Aurora James and shoe historian Elizabeth Semmelhack, we go over a few shoes- and what they say about ourselves and the world. Images of all the shoes discussed are at articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
You and I both know this. The supply chain is super messed up. The way humans make clothing is deeply messed up. So should we just make garments made of human hair? A very real question, with very real answers. For links, images and more information, go to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
This is a special re visit of one of my favorite stories: Pockets. Followed up by a special live interview with Hannah Carlson, author of the book Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close , to see what’s changed since the original episode came out. To see images of all kinds of pockets and to stay in the loop on articles of interest, go to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...