Mission Briefing

CONFIDENTIAL:

Welcome new agents,

Congratulations, you have now reached the central database to One Product, Two Worlds, my Honors Thesis.

My studies of international relations and public relations have led me, and you, to this moment. I am so proud to have launched my journey into understanding sea island cotton, the cultural significance of the James Bond franchise, as well as the crop in context of high fashion brands and markets in Charleston, S.C., and designers from the West Indies and beyond. This all started from a novel by the author Ian Fleming about one special agent who likes his martinis shaken, not stirred. James Bond and the following adventures have stayed true to their origins, most recently Daniel Craig’s apparel of sea island cotton as well as its revitalization and re-cultivation throughout the world, leading me to wonder if we are on the tip of the next big wave.

For the sake of this project, I have limited our scope to understanding just how connected the global fashion industry has become, with designers from Barbados popping up in all of the significant conversations worldwide. This project aims to highlight some of their work and better understand how it has changed the world's culture.

Just as in every hero story, the evil villains of racism, slavery, and classism bear their brutal heads. Disguised by the beauty of batiks, and silks and knits, sea island cotton originated with mortifying slave labor, which was perpetuated by colonial infringement on native lands, robbery of cultural products, and illegal rulership that has continued for hundreds of years unnoticed. Just as Barbados was born a republic just last year, we are watching as growth unfolds in a tremendous way.

This is just the beginning. Through my narration, we will explore the meandering paths of history to present problems, dotted with new locations and characters throughout the way. Interactive and a true story, I hope to entertain, enthrall and motivate you to move forward to make a change in the way that you live, and how you help others. Make up your own minds along the way.

That said, buckle your seat belts and cast off!