American Apparel was, at one time, the fastest retail rollout in American history boasting more than 280 stores in the world’s hippest neighborhoods. The man behind the brand, Dov Charney, pioneered the radical movement for “ethically made, sweatshop free” clothing and received the most prestigious accolades. So how did this brand end in a series of disgraceful events that would send it spiraling downwards from the upper echelons of the fashion world? Get it here on Episode 15 of The Great Fail.
Episode Sources:
The Fall of American Apparel: Why a Founder’s Genius Is Not Enough
The rise and fall of American Apparel
5 reasons American Apparel is now bankrupt
The Rise and Fall of American Apparel | Highsnobiety
American Apparel Files for Bankruptcy
American Apparel: The Rise and Fall of The Infamous U.S. Brand
Why Is American Apparel Closing?
American Apparel to pay $1 million to settle suit over worker’s death
American Apparel Lawsuit Is ‘Mother Of All Sexual Harassment Cases,’ Judge Says
American Apparel, Once Worth Nearly $1 Billion, Is Now Bankrupt
The History of American Apparel
The worst allegations from the disgusting American Apparel scandal
Label of the Year: American Apparel
Special Guest:
Elizabeth Segran
Senior Staff Writer at Fast Company
Author of The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch The Rest of Your Life from Harper Collins.
Elizabeth Segran is a Senior Staff Writer at Fast Company and Author of The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch The Rest of Your Life from Harper Collins. She attended Columbia University, then got a Ph.D. in Indian literature and women’s studies from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including The Atlantic, The Nation, Foreign Policy, and the New Republic. She lives in Boston with her husband, daughter, and books.