States of Undress

States of Undress is a compelling documentary series that debuted in 2016 on Viceland. This unique show artfully weaves together fashion, culture, politics, and travel in a way that highlights the multifaceted, often surprising relation between clothing and societal norms around the world. The series is not only a captivating travel show but is also a thoughtful exploration of how style and fashion reflect broader currents within societies and cultures beyond runways and glossy magazines.

The series is anchored by the charismatic and fearless host Hailey Gates, who is a model, actress, and journalist. With her background in fashion and acting, coupled with her immense curiosity and empathy, Gates provides empathetic yet forthright commentary on each episode, acting as a kind of global fashion ambassador. She doesn't shy away from diving headfirst into the sometimes-confusing world of international fashion and lifestyle trends, helping viewers to bridge the gap between the unfamiliar and familiar.

Each episode of States of Undress takes place in a different country, offering a fresh perspective on its unique culture, politics, economic conditions, and gender norms through the lens of its fashion trends and clothing practices. From the vision of beauty in Pakistan to the traditional garments of Venezuela; from exploring China's booming fashion industry to understanding the role clothing plays in Palestine's resistance movement, the series covers a wide spectrum of cultures and societies. It’s not just about clothes but their wider social implications, the stories behind them, and how they play into personal identities, stereotypes, power dynamics, and societal expectations.

In States of Undress, viewers get a nitty-gritty, in-depth look into the fashion industry, beyond the glitz and glamour. This is not just the fashion we know from haute couture events in Paris and Milan but the fashion that is ingrained in everyday life, culture, religion, and conflict. Gates' fearless examination covers everything from models' rights in a rapidly developing China to what fashion means to women in Congo who have survived sexual violence. Her approach is both bold and sensitive, asking tough questions, digging out subject matters people might find uncomfortable, but also taking the time to genuinely listen.

The show does a spectacular job of blending the apparent contradiction of superficiality and depth when it comes to fashion. It offers a window into different societies and mindsets, portraying how something as seemingly simple as clothing choice can be a political act, a statement of rebellion, a mark of tradition, a display of beauty, or a tool of oppression.

By inserting herself into a range of unfamiliar and often challenging terrains, Gates helps provide viewers with a firsthand look at how fashion serves as a form of expression, identity, and personal freedom – or the lack thereof. Many of the people she meets in her travels invite her into their lives, often with remarkable openness and warmth, providing unique insights into their distinct way of life, their aspirations, struggles, and ambitions.

In addition to uncovering the relationship between fashion and society, the series also offers breathtaking visuals of diverse landscapes, cities, and communities across the globe. The cinematography and camera work brilliantly capture the vibrancy, struggle, and resilience of people within different cultures, making the series not just insightful but visually captivating.

Overall, States of Undress stands out as an important cultural commentator – a series that uses fashion as a way to explore and understand diversity, socio-political issues, and human conditions around the globe. It's not just a show about attire but a compelling journey that navigates the rich tapestry of global fashion and the stories beneath it. The series packs a punch that belies its ostensibly trendy subject matter, utilizing fashion as a lens to open up important dialogues about politics, gender, identity, and culture on an international stage. It is a must-watch for not just fashion enthusiasts but also those seeking a profound understanding of various cultures and societies. At its core, States of Undress presents a profound narrative that reaffirms the power of clothing as not just an aesthetic choice, but as a mirror reflecting the realities of our world.