Ep 2. Clothing and Corruption in Liberia

In the second episode of States of Undress season 2, viewers are taken on a journey to Liberia, a country that was in the grips of civil war until 2003. The episode focuses on the fashion industry in Liberia and delves into the corruption that plagues the sector. The host, Hailey Gates, meets with local designers and fashion entrepreneurs to understand the challenges they face in a country that has been plagued by war and poverty.

Gates begins her journey by visiting a fashion school in Liberia's capital, Monrovia. She meets with aspiring designers who are learning sewing and tailoring techniques to create unique and stylish garments. However, the fashion industry in Liberia faces several challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, limited access to fabrics, and high costs of production.

Gates then spends time with local designers who have managed to create successful fashion brands in Liberia. She visits the studio of a designer named Korto Momolu, who gained international fame after appearing on the reality show Project Runway. Momolu's designs, which blend traditional African fabrics with Western styles, are popular both in Liberia and abroad. However, Momolu shares her struggles with Gates, explaining that she has to deal with corruption at every level of the fashion industry in Liberia.

Gates also meets with a group of female artisans who are working to create unique crafts and textiles that are sold in local markets. These women are part of a cooperative that empowers them to be self-sufficient and earn a living through their craft. However, they too face challenges, including a lack of access to raw materials and limited market reach.

The episode also explores the darker side of the fashion industry in Liberia. Gates meets with journalists who have uncovered corruption and exploitation within the sector. She learns about the practice of "bucket shopping," where Western charities send donated clothing to Liberia, which is then sold in local markets. This practice has led to the collapse of the local textile industry and has created a market for cheap, low-quality clothing that has replaced locally-made garments.

Overall, the episode sheds light on the challenges faced by the fashion industry in Liberia, including corruption, limited infrastructure, and exploitation. Viewers gain an appreciation for the resilience and creativity of local designers and artisans who are working against the odds to create unique and stylish garments. The episode also raises important questions about the role of the global fashion industry in perpetuating poverty and exploitation in developing countries.