Worn Stories
Docuseries about clothing is fun, poignant, and mature.
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Worn Stories
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Worn Stories is a documentary series about the power of clothing. It's full of mature content, with people sometimes wearing revealing clothing, and, in one episode about a nudist community, there's full frontal nudity. Sex work and promiscuity are discussed, and drug dealing and using is also addressed. Racism and discrimination are common threads, and some people tell stories about violence and the loss of loved ones. All this being said, it has many heartwarming and uplifting stories that are worth tuning into.
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What's the Story?
Based on the book by Emily Spivack, and executive produced by Orange Is The New Black's Jenji Kohan, WORN STORIES is a Netflix series about the power of clothing. The eight-episode documentary series features stories from people from all walks of life showcasing their favorite article of clothing. With the help of one-on-one interviews and animation, people share their memories about something in their closet that holds special significance. Cameras also follow individuals as they show how they carry themselves with the help of their special wardrobe piece. The rejection of clothing is also explored. From a South Korean immigrant who found community and confidence with the help of a yellow sweater, to a man buying his first outfit after spending 41 years in prison, it reveals how clothes play a role in helping us find a sense of identity.
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining and poignant series features people sharing the personal stories associated with their favorite item or style of clothing, and the profound impact it's had on their lives. It highlights how people use clothing to express their individuality, to feel empowered, and to bring people closer together. Folks also reveal how an item of clothing can serve as a symbol of repression, or represent a darker period that is both painful and fortuitous.
Most of these stories focus on regular, everyday human beings just living their lives, but there are a few exceptions, including astronaut Mike Massimo (who you may recognize from The Big Bang Theory), Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and the Spanish entertainer Charo. Nonetheless, it's the wide array of experiences that make Worn Stories compelling. Some will make you laugh, and some might make you cry. But they each have something significant to offer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different stories and people featured in this series. Were there any that you could identify with? Were there any that you learned something new from?
If you were featured on Worn Stories, what article of clothing would you talk about? What would you want audiences to take away from your personal story?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 1, 2021
- Cast: Mike Massimo, Frederica Wilson, Charo
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion, Courage
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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