Episode 168: Karl Lagerfeld, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lee Radziwill

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, controversies over the Pledge of Allegiance, and the death of Lee Radziwill.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: 

• Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most prolific designers of our era, has died. Natalia referred to this article on the rise of the “heritage brand.”
• After an 11-year-old Florida student refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance, he was arrested. Natalia referred to historian Christopher Petrella’s Washington Post piece on the nativist sentiment that inspired the Pledge. Neil recommended historian Kevin Kruse’s book One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America on how “under God” was added to the Pledge during the Cold War.
• Socialite and style icon Lee Radziwill has died. Neil recommended Vanessa Friedman’s New York Times article on her legacy as an “influencer,” and Natalia suggested this piece at The Cut about “the Cinderella trap.” Natalia and Neil recommend Grey Gardens, the 1975 documentary and Broadway show.

In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

• Natalia shared her Well+Good article, “Yoga Pants Made Lululemon Founder a Billionaire – Why Isn’t He More Grateful to the Women Who Wear Them?”
• Neil discussed Jasmine Sanders’ New York Times article, “A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur.”
• Niki recommended Geraldo Cadava’s Washington Post article, “How the Border Wall Divided the GOP.”