The emblem of excess

Perspective Media
December 08, 2024

THIS WEEK’S DEEP DIVE
The emblem of excess
BY CHRISTOBEL KENT

Christobel Kent explores fashion's role as both capitalism's origin story and its favourite child. Through examining historical criticism and modern industry practices, she reveals how our ancient desire for decorative clothing has evolved into a destructive global business, while highlighting emerging grassroots movements that seek to reclaim fashion's creative and communal aspects.

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People

The big one

Clifford Thurlow recounts the extraordinary story of the 1990 City Bonds Robbery, which dwarfed Britain's previous record heists. Through his interviews with convicted fraudster Keith Cheeseman, he unveils how £427 million in bearer bonds disappeared from the Bank of England, leading to a trail of murders, international manhunts, and unanswered questions about the true masterminds behind the crime.

www.perspectivemedia.com/the-big-one

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Crime made his heart beat faster. It gave him that same sense of breezy freedom he had every time he flew on Concorde or checked into the best suite at the Waldorf Astoria in New York

Comment

Our low-down on big issues

You’re on camera

Kate Devlin examines how ubiquitous surveillance technology is quietly eroding our privacy and freedoms. Through analysis of CCTV, facial recognition systems and digital tracking, she reveals how both government agencies and corporations are building ever more detailed profiles of our lives, while questioning our passive acceptance of this new normal.

www.perspectivemedia.com/youre-on-camera

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Every social media platform we use, every website we visit, every loyalty card we scan, a profile is built of us, bit by binary bit

Culture

Primetime Potus

Anne Billson surveys how American presidents have been portrayed in cinema, from reverent biopics to outlandish reimaginings. She traces how these fictional portrayals reflect changing cultural attitudes towards race, gender and political power in the highest office.

www.perspectivemedia.com/primetime-potus

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Women, know your place! Hint: it’s not in the Oval Office. Unless, maybe, you're a Childless Cat Lady

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