Essays

Publicity Is the Art of Capitalism

Another deep dive into Ways of Seeing by John Berger.

Jun 18, 2025 • Emily Kirkpatrick

Why are we so afraid of fashion?

My essay for the 1-year anniversary of Letters & Sodas.

May 29, 2025 • Emily Kirkpatrick

The Death of Celebrity Aura

Some vague, half-baked musings about Walter Benjamin, Ways of Seeing, and why famous people feel especially lame right now.

Apr 10, 2025 • Emily Kirkpatrick

Burn the Tabloid

It's time to give up the ghost.

Jan 28, 2025 • Emily Kirkpatrick

Welcome to the Build-A-Body Era

A harrowing exploration of why celebrities are suddenly constructing exaggerated curves via their outfits.

Jan 3, 2025 • Emily Kirkpatrick

Chain Mail as Pre-Capitalist Yearning

Or how we found ourselves in the midst of a good ol' fashioned Renaissance Fayre Fall.

Oct 24, 2024 • Emily Kirkpatrick

Did the Brazilian wax ruin sex?

The Hole Debate!

Oct 4, 2024 • Emily Kirkpatrick

Fashion's Alt-Right Flirtation

Is it possible to co-opt the aesthetics of extremism without also espousing its ideology?

Oct 1, 2024 • Emily Kirkpatrick

A Unified Theory of Bagmaxxing

Or how we're all being sold the commodified Jane Birkin fantasy.

Sep 25, 2024 • Emily Kirkpatrick

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