Watch Clothes to Die For

Clothes to Die For is a fascinating series from BBC Select that explores the hidden history of the fashion industry, examining the dangerous and often deadly labor conditions faced by garment workers around the world. The series takes a critical look at the consequences of fast fashion and consumer culture, while also highlighting the inspiring stories of activists and workers who are fighting for change.

Across four episodes, Clothes to Die For investigates the global reach of the fashion industry, delving into the lives of workers in Bangladesh, Cambodia, and the UK. Each episode is carefully crafted to highlight the human stories behind the clothes we wear, and to interrogate the often invisible forces that shape the global economy.

The first episode focuses on the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, where a building housing several garment factories collapsed, killing over 1,100 people and injuring thousands more. Through interviews with survivors and activists, Clothes to Die For reveals the systemic issues that led to the tragedy, including unsafe working conditions, lax regulations, and the insatiable demand for cheap fashion. The episode also highlights the work of organizations like the Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity Network and Fashion Revolution, which are fighting for greater transparency and accountability in the fashion industry.

In the second episode, Clothes to Die For explores the thriving but often precarious garment industry in Cambodia, where workers endure long hours, low wages, and dangerous work environments. The episode profiles garment workers who have organized themselves into labor unions to demand better rights and conditions, and interviews experts who are working to promote sustainable and ethical practices in the industry.

The third episode takes a closer look at the UK fashion industry, which has faced its own labor scandals in recent years. The episode follows the stories of British workers who have spoken out about the exploitation and unsafe conditions they have faced in garment factories, and explores the ways in which fast fashion has driven down wages and pushed workers to the brink.

Finally, Clothes to Die For turns its attention to the environmental impact of the fashion industry, examining the staggering amount of waste and pollution generated by the production and consumption of clothing. The episode features interviews with experts in sustainable fashion, who lay out a vision for a more ethical and environmentally responsible industry.

Throughout the series, Clothes to Die For mixes powerful storytelling with incisive analysis, providing a comprehensive look at the human cost of fast fashion. The show never shies away from difficult questions, and it challenges viewers to think more deeply about the clothes they wear and the systems that produce them. With its moving personal stories and rich historical context, Clothes to Die For is a must-watch for anyone interested in fashion, labor, or social justice.