BY ALAN BULLEY

Did you know that textile production is one of the most resource-intensive industries on the planet and that our consumption of textiles is exploding? Resisting the temptation to paint an end-of-the-world scenario, The Next Black highlights industry pioneers working at the intersections of fashion, digital technology, environmental concerns, and biological engineering. From Lady Gaga’s bubble-blowing harness, to a dress grown as bacteria in a vat of liquid, to biotech wearables for athletes, the clothes we wear are becoming more innovative, sustainable, and interactive.

2014; 46 minutes Find it FREE on YouTube youtube.com/watch?v=XCsGLWrfE4Y

Dedicated to “all the kids who feel like they aren’t seen or heard,” The Power of Style takes seriously how what we wear speaks loudly about our cultures, politics, and economics. This is a kids book that adults need to read. Christian Allaire, a fashion writer for Vogue and an Ojibwe, understands the complex interplay of style, power, and self-expression in our daily lives. He gives young readers a wealth of well-illustrated examples of how diverse groups are using fashion to express themselves and to strengthen their communities.

Softcover, 2021, 96 pages $15. + shipping Annick Press

What does it mean to be Black and alive right now? That’s the question behind this rich diving board of a book that invites readers to get their feet wet in contemporary Black experience and then to jump into imagining — and creating — Black futures. The book does not claim to be comprehensive, but there is so much content here that the book’s signposts are welcome: a simple set of colour codes and thematic sections with names such as Black Lives Matter, Joy, Power, and Memory. A multilayered resource to consult, rather than read from start to finish.

Hardcover, 2020, 544 pages $54 + shipping

Keesha Chung’s first short film is a glimpse into the life of an aspiring model in the fashion industry. Keesha aims to highlight the work and stories of creatives of colour. Her film premiered in November 2021 and draws on the skills of an all-Toronto crew on both sides of the camera and showcases the city itself.

2020; 14 minutes For more information, including up-coming screenings, visit greyareamovie.com

For many photographers, the choice between digital and analogue can break down to a question of aesthetics. Fred Ritchin, Dean Emeritus of the International Center of Photography, draws readers into a much deeper discussion of the challenges and opportunities of digital media and the way they affect how we perceive and engage with the world around us. A provocative book for those of us who want to reflect on the images we make and the images we consume.

Hardcover, 2008, 160 pages $33 + shipping

Make Room is an artistic and social venture to help “empower marginalized and emerging artists with the resources and means to reach broader audiences.” So far, site founder Trevor Twells has connected more than 300 artists with Toronto businesses and organizations willing to make display and window space available. Given how difficult and costly it can be for new visual artists to get their work into physical venues, this is an interesting proof of concept that could be spread to other cities, whatever their size. One to watch!