Responding to the brief from the British Textile Biennial’s regarding the impact of the global textile industry, Labelled, an antique hand-sewn bodice made from navy blue silk and linen, is adorned with seventy-one name and sizing tags and decorated using hand embroidery stitches.
There is no label and no reference to the bodice’s country of origin and its skilled maker remains entirely unknown. The bodice is an homage to all the nameless female workers in the industry, both past and present.
This beautifully crafted garment, made me consider the quality and provenance of the clothes hanging in my closet. I removed all the labels from my clothes, rendering them as equally anonymous as the bodice. As I did this, I considered the value one places on things, especially fashionable clothing. I reflected on my past purchasing decisions, and I pondered my personal ties to the British textile industry as my ancestors were instrumental in contributing to an industry that was and is notorious for its pollution and exploitation.