Avery Trufelman, podcaster and radio producer, produced podcast 99% Invisible, launched spin-off Articles of Interest, on the cultural history and impact of fashion, and hosted Nice Try!, about utopias and historical attempts to build ideal communities. The ERB’s Sander Pleij asked her about novelty.
SP
I visited a retirement home for nuns who’d left the order and no longer wore habits, but after a life of wearing the habit, they didn’t know what to wear now. What would this signify?
AT
That makes so much sense to me. I think fashion is a muscle that has to be exercised over time. Just like making yourself listen to new music or meet new people. If one doesn’t actively work on it, this capacity for novelty can atrophy with age. Whether or not people think these capacities are worth exercising is another matter…
SP
It felt sad, being that confused about clothing (yet, we are probably more pathetic!). What novelty has flexing your reading-, watching- or listening muscles brought you lately?
AT
I feel really lucky that my work is always forcing me into novelty. I’m currently at a massive conference for the US military — completely not my scene — for a story. I think I’d be bad at embracing novelty if I didn’t feel compelled to for my work. You know?
SP
A weapons congress! I have so many questions! Is everyone in uniform (what would an admiral wear in a retirement home…?) Is there a bar, and what drinks are served? Are there gender-neutral toilets? Do they use Mac or Windows computers? Who are they quoting in their speeches? Any small talk happening at the coffee counter? Please, I need to know these things.
AT
Yes, everyone is in uniform and they look amazing! Italian generals wear jaunty little Tirol hats and the Swedes undoubtedly have the coolest camouflage pattern.
AT
No bar per se, but there are snacks and coffee everywhere. It is. Bizarre.
SP
OK, other question: What is the fashion advice we do not need to bother about?
AT
Oh man. Advice on fashion is also subject to fashion. It also follows trends. So I guess take the advice like fashion itself: with a grain of salt.
