When you think of fashion, you might think of a particularly stylish friend, or the latest “it” bag, or a haute couture runway. Fashion can be beautiful and intriguing—but it’s not just an innocent expression of beauty or creativity. It’s an industry. And it’s largely in the business of garnering as much profit as possible, whatever the cost to workers, consumers, or the planet.

For 8 weeks, starting August 24th, we’re discussing fashion’s darkest secrets, from the bone-crushing origins of the corset to the dirty impact of denim to the ugly underbelly of Victoria’s Secret. Listen free on Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices