Watch The Next Black

The Next Black is a 2014 documentary film that explores the future of fashion and technology. The film is directed by David Dworsky and Victor Kohler and stars Mathew Hymers, Suzanne Lee, and Brittany McCrigler. The film begins by introducing the concept of 'fast fashion' and the negative impact it has on the environment. It then explores the innovations that are taking place in the fashion industry to reduce waste and create sustainable products. The film examines four different areas where technology is being used to create the 'next black' - a term used to describe the future of fashion.

The first area explored is 'smart materials.' The film introduces us to Suzanne Lee, a designer who is working on creating fabric from living organisms. She explains how her company, BioCouture, is developing a process in which bacteria can be grown to create cellulose fabric that can eventually replace traditional cotton. This new material can be grown in a few days, compared to the several months required to grow cotton.

The second area is 'future craft.' The film introduces us to Casey Jenkins, a knitter who is creating clothing that reflects her emotions. Her work explores the relationship between the mind and body and the role that clothing can play in that relationship. Jenkins has developed a process in which she can knit a garment while simultaneously recording her thoughts and emotions. The result is a unique and personal garment that reflects her experiences.

The third area explored is 'transparency.' The film examines the growing trend of consumers wanting to know more about where their clothing comes from and how it's made. The film introduces us to Brittany McCrigler, a blogger who created a website called Style and Sustainability to address this issue. McCrigler believes that consumers have a responsibility to know where their clothing comes from and to make conscious choices about what they buy.

The fourth area explored is 'localism.' The film examines the growing trend of consumers wanting to buy locally made products. The film introduces us to Tonny Madsen, a designer who is creating clothing that is made entirely in Denmark. Madsen believes that by keeping production local, he can reduce the environmental impact of his clothing and create jobs in his community.

Throughout the film, we see how these innovations are changing the way we think about fashion. The film poses the question, 'Can fashion be sustainable?' and explores the ways in which technology is helping to make that a possibility. The Next Black is a thought-provoking film that will inspire viewers to think differently about the clothes they wear and the impact they have on the environment.

The Next Black is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.