American Apparel

If you don't know that this is Dov Charney then you probably haven't been a follower of what's hot and what's not in fashion.

 Dov Charney is the creative, marketing pioneer that started American Apparel. Apparently he grew up in Canada but, always loved garments made in the USA so he decided to actually make garments in the USA. Since it's inception in 2003 American Apparel has had a meteoric success, due in no small part to the style and quality of it's garments and the company's social consciousness- meaning that Dov Charney is enriching his employees life as he gets rich.

I didn't know what to expect when I booked the tour of the American Apparel factory in LA. Aside from being successful, the company is also known for being a little controversial. The first thing you see at the seven story former railroad warehouse is a " Legalize LA " proclamation. I thought legalize marijuana? gay marriage? but, obviously it was legalize illegal aliens (  a large number of American Apparel employees, I think about 1,600 were deported by INS not too long ago )

But, our little group carried on and began a tour of a most amazing factory guided by Alex who answered our endless questions and enjoyed our enthusiasm.
To be honest, for me it felt a little bit like being Charlie and getting to enter the Chocolate Factory.