Disrobed: How Clothing Predicts Economic Cycles, Saves Lives, and Determines the Future

by Syl Tang

We may not often think of our clothes as having a function beyond covering our naked bodies and keeping us a little safer from the elements. But to discount the enormous influence of clothing on anything from economic cycles to the future of water scarcity is to ignore the greater meaning of the garments we put on our backs. Disrobed vividly considers the role that clothing plays in everything from natural disasters to climate change to terrorism to geopolitics to agribusiness. Chapter by chapter, Tang takes the reader on an unusual journey, telling stories and asking questions that most consumers have never considered about their clothing. Why do banker’s wives sell off their clothes and how does that presage a recession? How is clothing linked to ethanol and starvation on the African continent? Could RFID in clothing save the lives of millions of people in earthquakes around the world?

This book takes an everyday item and considers it in a way that readers may not have previously thought possible. It tackles topics relevant to today, everything from fakes in the museums to farm-to-table eating, and answers questions about how we can anticipate and change our world in areas as far-reaching as the environment, politics, and the clash of civilizations occurring between countries. Much like other pop economics books have done before, the stories are easily retold in water-cooler style, allowing them to be thoughtfully considered, argued, and discussed.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Economics

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2017

About the author

Syl Tang is CEO and founder of the 19-year old HipGuide Inc. A futurist, her focus is how and why we consume, with an eye towards world events such as natural disasters, geo-political clashes, and pandemics. She has written hundreds of articles on the confluence of world events and soft goods for the Financial Times, predicting and documenting trends such as the Apple watch and other smart wearables, lab-made diamonds, the Department of Defense’s funding of Afghan jewelry companies, the effects of global warming on South Sea pearls, and the unsolved murder of tanzanite speculator Campbell Bridges. Her brand consulting work focuses on helping companies including Diageo, Revlon and the State of Michigan. She is behind the launches of some of the most well-known beauty, beverage, automotive and urban development efforts including category changers such as frozen alcohol and mineral makeup. In addition to developing her site, in 1999 she created the first mobile lifestyle texting product in the market and predicted mobile couponing as it exists today. Her company HipGuide is a case study taught in universities around the world, from Dubai to Nova Scotia to Purdue, through a textbook series. You can follow her on Instagram/Twitter @hipguide and on Instagram @disrobedbook.

Reviews

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a fascination for how often seemingly different things link together so when I read the description of Disrobed, a book that looks at how what we wear and fashion trends can influence and impact economic cycles, the earth, our safety, and even what we eat, I was excited to hop on the book tour for it. I wasn't familiar with the author Syl Tang, who is both a journalist and a futurist, predicting trends and documenting the effects on world events.

Disrobed is a quick (less than 200 pages) and thought-provoking read, that although is full of facts and details, keeps them entertaining and doesn't get bogged down. The book kicks off with how clothing trends predicted the 2016 election (as well as the 2008 election). It shows how every fashion choice we make can have lasting ramifications. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I learned from Disrobed with Tang's almost conversational style. Even the chapter titles and taglines: "Can Clothing save the Lives of Millions?: Can existing wearable technology alter the death rate of natural disasters?" or "Burkinis and the Clash of Civilizations: How terrorism, clothing, and travel became inextricably linked." drew me in and had me anticipating each chapter. It's obvious Tang put in a lot of research--there are over 30 pages of notes supporting her findings and arguments in the back of the book. Most of her points are covered well, but it also inspired me to hit up Google to find more information on some of the topics I wanted more detail on.

Although I have some interest in fashion, you don't need to be a fashionista in order to appreciate Disrobed. Those with an interest in current events, technology, the environment, and the world will find it fascinating reading. Tang says that "clothing has the ability to take the pulse of the world in any given moment..." and also points out "That clothing is a part of so many aspects of our daily lives, our messaging, our choices, our struggles, and our wars provides an unparalleled tool." She leaves how the reader uses that tool up to them. I have a feeling that I will be thinking about Tang's points, observing fashion's impact more closely and thinking about the choices I make and the small actions (microactions) I take that can contribute to a huge global impact.

You can see my review, plus my food pairing/recipe for avocado toast (the new 'blood diamond' of breakfast according to the book) ;-) on my blog book tour review here: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...

Note: A review copy of "Disrobed" was provided to me by the author and the publisher via TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am mystified by the ratings and reviews. I generally gripe about meandering fiction writing that takes paragraphs to say what could have been said in a few sentences. Enter Disrobed -- a seemingly interesting topic which is delivered as a mish-mash of tangents and meandering text.

Perhaps Tang is such a futurist genius that my common brain cannot grasp her genius. I suspect (which Tang does a good deal as a futurist) that no editor had the balls to red-pen the author and force her to write an interesting and organized book.

Tang serves the reader anecdotal evidence and statistics, yet one sentence makes me question her sources and validity. She calls Marie Kondo, the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, a Japanese closet organizer. Is Tang is being a snarky snot? Did she read Kondo's book? Regardless of anyone's thoughts on the KonMari Method, it is not solely about organizing closets.

Disrobed reads like pasted together snippets of newspaper articles and blog posts.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Purchase Links: Rowman & Littlefield | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

 

 This is a pop-economics book examining the impact of clothing on various aspects of life now and in the future.  The author is a futurist who uses clothing to help predict future trends.

 

How does that work?  For example, the rate of rich women reselling designer clothing goes up as they start to have financial concerns.  This shows up before some other indicators of impending recessions.  Likewise, the number of bankers wearing their "lucky clothing" increases with financial instability.

 

I thought this book was strongest in its first few chapters.  These discuss superstitious clothing trends, how museums fall for buying fakes, and predictors of recession.  In the later chapters on environmental impacts of clothing I felt that the ideas needed more development.  Yes, there are major problems with disposable clothing and its impact on water and agriculture.  But this book just seemed to rush to skim over the surface of many ideas instead of taking the time to develop a few ideas fully.  The ideas are intriguing but the discussion felt half-hearted and left me wanting more details and nuance.

 

This book would be best for people who have never considered these issues before.  It can serve as an introduction to the topics surrounding clothing and the economy and environment.  It may spur deeper research into the subject and a search for books that dive deeper into the cause and effect of the topics presented here.

This review was originally posted on Based On A True Story

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author certainly talks about a lot without getting to any real point. The author does not prove any of her claims because she constantly changes the subject and distracts the reader by throwing lots of information at you so you don't realize that she's blowing a lot of hot air. Not worth reading.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Disrobed: How Clothing Predicts Economic Cycles, Saves Lives, and Determines the Future,” Syl Tang has asked readers to considering a thought provoking and highly overlooked question: “What do my clothing choices say about my individual identity, the culture I belong to, or the future I want to make for myself?” Evaluating everything from the burkini and the male desire to control women’s clothing choices; how frequently we likely encounter fake Pradas, Armani’s, etc.; how the materials used in our clothes could save or doom our planet; and how advancing technology coupled with new innovations in clothing might even help save our lives in emergencies or natural disasters, Tang’s analyses and evaluations, written in a simple yet pervasive tone, captivate effortlessly and enlightens readers on how their individual choices can actually have impacts across the world.

“Disrobed” is not the type of book I would usually gravitate toward. I am not well versed in economic trends, or high fashion trends, even, but from the first chapter, something about Tang’s theme hooked me. Maybe I don’t have much experience (or desire to experience) what it’s like to wear clothing that costs several hundred, or several thousand, dollars, but like most modern American women I am a frequent victim of boredom-browsing and my full-to-bursting closet is feeling the consequences. Now, in the back of my mind there will always be a question: What would buying this item mean for the future, both mine and the world? What fabric is it made of, and how is the use of that fabric causing harm to our environment? Am I purchasing this new dress that I might only wear one or two times because I actually want to? Or am I purchasing it because of pressure from our modern Western society to “keep up” with trends and beauty standards? For example, I will be attending a wedding in a couple of weeks. Do I, and all the other women who will be attending, feel the need and desire to buy a special new dress because we genuinely want to add another unnecessary $150 dress to our wardrobes? Or do we approach wedding and formal attire out of deference to social cues and beauty standards that might consider it tacky or cheap to re-wear an old garment?

“Disrobed” is a highly accessible book that you do not need to have prior, expert knowledge of fashion, sociocultural wars, or economics to understand and enjoy its messages. Tang’s book, in the alternative, asks questions that the common, everyday reader typically should not have much trouble considering or understanding. I would personally be very interested to know what Tang thinks about other questions, such as the plus-size movement or how certain items of clothing are either labeled as masculine or feminine, and wearing the “wrong” gender’s clothing can be license for others to abuse or ridicule us. “Disrobed” was a captivating book that constantly had me considering new questions and learning new things about the clothing industry that I know will stick subconsciously in the back of my head when I dress in the morning, go shopping or even just observe and take note of what those around me are wearing. Even if a reader might at first glance think “No, that’s not a read I’m interested in,” I would implore that reader to read the first chapter. By stepping outside our comfort zones, we can not only broaden our knowledge and love for literature but also learn valuable lessons about the world we live in and how our choices do, indeed, impact the world around us.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book is, Disrobed: How Clothing Predicts Economic Cycles, Saves Lives, and Determines the Future. I was most intrigued. Clothing is, of course big business in the United States and worldwide. Fashions change and people buy a whole new wardrobe of clothes. The toes of shoes go from pointy to square and all new shoes are needed. Fortunately there are some enduring classics for those who don’t feel defined by trends; some things that are truly timeless. But can clothing and the trends it inspires tell us where the world is going?

I don’t read a lot of non fiction but now and again a synopsis will come along that intrigues me. I have always had an interest in fashion – not a deep dive, but enough that reading this book called to me. Also, I was a banker in my old life so there is a bit of the analytical in my thinking.

There is a lot of information in this book, Ms. Tang knows her industry. She has written a lot of articles for years on many facets of the fashion industry; including the environmental impacts during manufacturing, to the effects of major weather catastrophes on the creation of faux materials, to why the purchase of lucky charms can presage a coming economic downturn. It all made for very fascinating reading. I learned quite a bit.

What I didn’t completely learn was How Clothing Predicts Economic Cycles, Saves Lives, and Determines the Future. The promise was there but at least to me, never delivered. There is a lot of information in this little volume and a few of my issues include a lot of the author referring to her writings. In fact, I was telling my hubby about the book and mentioning the references to “in an article I published in 2009” and the next paragraph started with just those words. It got a little old.

I’m not unhappy I read the book, I gleaned many interesting insights into an industry that fascinates me. I’ve already changed how I buy my clothes – I purchase 90% of my “new” items at thrift stores these days. If I hadn’t already made that change I suspect this book would have had me moving that direction. The environmental damage the industry does, not to mention the water impacts on the planet are downright frightening. It’s worth the read just to learn about that.

[Margot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio AND read the print edition. I really liked it.

Disrobed: How Clothing Predicts Economic Cycles, Saves Lives, and Determines the Future

I know that as you read the title above, you are probably surprised by the statement. I know I was. I was also intrigued and, once I started reading the book, I was very pleased and excited by what I was learning. This is a very smart book that kept me thinking and then talking to family and friends for a long time.

I think many of us are tired of being depressed about the future of our country and our world. Spending time with this author, thinking the way a futurist thinks, certainly perked up my spirits. She had me thinking about so many different aspects of our lives that she got me out of thinking about myself. Just to show you the variety of topics here, let me share a few of the chapter titles:

- Bankers’ Wives Are Laundering Money
- Not Shopping Could Save The Planet
- Is Your Cotton Shirt Causing Starvation?
- Burkinis And The Clash of Civilization

Reading and thinking about the future made me think of my children and grandchildren a lot. The future certainly belongs to them. Disrobed is already set as gifts for several family members at Christmas time. Its a no-brainer that my two teenaged granddaughters will love all the fashion talk, but seriously, I think one of them will use the subject of this book as a school project or term paper. It’s that good!

[Eva · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is framed - quite ambitiously, for a 182 page volume - as a mind-blowing, life-changing exposé of how fashion predicts the future; to quote the introduction: "You can use clothing, as I have, to read the cultural zeitgeist, predict world changes, make more money, see the next big world occurrence, and possibly learn about ways you may save your own life." Unsurprisingly, none of this is present in the actual book, which, based on the number of times the author mentions that time she wrote an article about the topic, is a slightly extended medley of various fashion-related curiosities she encountered as a journalist in the field. I would have been nicer with the rating if the individual chapters weren't also curiously outdated (for a book published in 2017), and if the author's bias and quite staggeringly close-minded worldview weren't so visible throughout the book.

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book might seem like a mere exploration of fashion economics, but it delves into broader issues like economic crises and environmentalism, linking them intricately to fashion. Although fashion isn’t my main interest, the narrative kept reeling me back in with interesting topics such as the circular economy, the “back to the wild” nomadic trend, or the rise of bamboo fibers. Each new theme, from RFID to culture wars, added layers that kept me engaged till the end, making the book surprisingly enjoyable.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book makes a lot of assumptions. She also crosses a number of industries with these assumptions. I did find a few correlations intriguing, though it doesn’t make up for the rest of the book. The environmental aspect of creating clothes was excellent. Some of the adjacent political and social movements in regards to clothing and the environment were also good.

[Valerie F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in honor of New York Fashion Week. The concepts presented about fashion and wearables in general made me think more about the connection with economics and politics. Clothes do make the man -or woman- in more ways than one.

[R.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey writers, is this the world-building book you haven't read yet?