“Clothing Poverty takes the reader on a global journey to expose the inequalities and injustices that exist within the second-hand clothing trade and the manufacturing of garments destined for Western markets. Thought-provoking and insightful, Brooks highlights a long overdue need for ‘radical advocacy’ to improve social justice within the supply chain, and between producers and consumers. A fascinating, must-read text for those interested in the ethics surrounding sustainability in fashion and design.”

2. ReFashioned: Cutting-Edge Clothing from Upcycled Materials
Hardcover – Oct 29 2013
by Sass Brown

“ReFashioned features 46 international designers who work with recycled materials and discarded garments, reinvigorating them with new life and value. The result is beautiful and desirable clothing and accessories that also make an important statement to the fashion world about its wasteful and exploitative practices.  Bonus: this book is made from recycled materials!”

3. Stitched Up: The Anti-Capitalist Book of Fashion
Paperback – Apr 1 2014
by Tansy E. Hoskins 

Stitched Up delves into the exclusive and alluring world of fashion to expose class division, gender stereotyping and wasteful consumption. Tansy E. Hoskins illuminates the political and sociological dimensions of an industry that promotes and supports the dominant values of our age: image, glamour, money and sex. Hoskins also provides a fascinating historical narrative, showing that in today’s world, the clothes we wear are as indicative of who we are as they were during the reign of Louis XIV. Hoskins tackles key contemporary issues, such as the controversy over “size zero” and the impact of fashion in depleting the world’s natural resources. In a provocative move, Hoskins argues that fashion controls our aspirations and self-worth through a set of impossible beauty standards. At a time when high spending on clothes persists despite the economic recession, Stitched Up provides a unique critical examination of fashion in relation to contemporary culture and the distorting priorities of capitalism.

4. Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster
Paperback – Jul 29 2008
by Dana Thomas (Author)

Once luxury was available only to the rarefied and aristocratic world of old money and royalty. It offered a history of tradition, superior quality, and a pampered buying experience. Today, however, luxury is simply a product packaged and sold by multibillion-dollar global corporations focused on growth, visibility, brand awareness, advertising, and, above all, profits. Award-winning journalist Dana Thomas digs deep into the dark side of the luxury industry to uncover all the secrets that Prada, Gucci, and Burberry don?t want us to know. Deluxe is an uncompromising look behind the glossy façade that will enthrall anyone interested in fashion, finance, or culture.