DUST BOWL DENIM

We have always had a fascination with the Dust Bowl era, which was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times in American history, as severe drought and dust storms ravaged the Great Plains. This environmental catastrophe led to widespread displacement, agricultural devastation and economic collapse.

 

Through her lens, Dorothea Lange immortalised the resilience and dignity of those trying to endure the hardships of this time. Her photographic storytelling captured the cultural zeitgeist, while also catalysing government action and awareness of what was happening on the dust roads of the USA. We of course are drawn to the clothing of those photographed, with tattered remnants of clothing telling their owner’s story.

 

It gives us renewed respect for pieces in our collection that speak of the hardships of their previous owners’ lives.

If eager to find out more, we have a couple of copies of Phaidon’s excellent little book about Lange on our online store, find it here >