Ep 11. Fashion Roots

In season 6, episode 11 of the popular genealogy series Finding Your Roots, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the fashion industry to uncover the ancestral roots and cultural influences of his guests. Titled "Fashion Roots," the episode features three prominent figures in the industry: fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, actress and fashion icon Narciso Rodriguez, and author, journalist, and former model Annette Gordon-Reed.

The episode begins by exploring von Furstenberg's ancestry, which reveals a story of determination and resilience. Gates looks into her Jewish roots in Eastern Europe and the challenges her mother faced as a Holocaust survivor. Von Furstenberg explains how these experiences shaped her outlook on life and influenced her iconic wrap dress, which became a symbol of female empowerment in the 1970s.

Next, Gates delves into Rodriguez's family history, tracing his roots back to his parents' homeland of Cuba. The episode explores the cultural influences that shaped Rodriguez's aesthetic and artistic vision, from the vibrant colors and patterns of Caribbean culture to the minimalist style of Japanese fashion.

Finally, Gates explores the complex history of African American fashion and identity with Gordon-Reed. Through her family's genealogy, Gates uncovers a deep connection to the history of slavery in America and the struggle for civil rights. The episode explores how Gordon-Reed's ancestors used fashion as a form of resistance and self-expression, from the elaborate headwraps worn by enslaved women to the iconic Black Power fashion of the 1960s and beyond.

Through these three personal stories, "Fashion Roots" explores the powerful and often overlooked role that ancestry and cultural heritage play in shaping our understanding of fashion and identity. As always, Gates brings a deep and nuanced historical perspective to each guest's story, shedding new light on the fashion industry's complex and interconnected past.