Cotton has been part of the human experience since ancient times, as fiber, yarn, textile, garment, and much more. In this Chats in the Stacks book talk Tasha Lewis, editor of Cotton (Intellect Ltd.) explores the world of cotton and how it became the “fabric of our lives,” discussing the importance of this major resource for fashion businesses, the integrity of the industry, and the evolution of fashion design in the United States.
Lewis' book is based on an investigative research project that involved undergraduate and graduate students, faculty researchers, and businesses that rely on cotton to make their garments. The project gave them a better understanding of how this key resource is sourced, priced, transported, manipulated, and then sold to the consumer. Lewis discusses the role of brands in the marketing of goods, and the importance of the “Made in the USA” campaign, with its appeal to consumers concerned about local employment and social responsibility.