The Big Flop Unzipping American Apparel with Sasheer Zamata and Jared Goldstein | 86
May 5, 2025
Sasheer Zamata, a comedian and co-host of the podcast Best Friends, and Jared Goldstein, an actor and host of Sorry What?, delve into the sordid tales of American Apparel. They explore the rise and fall of its founder, Dov Charney, whose provocative marketing led to scandal and bankruptcy. The discussion touches on the brand's ethical image vs. the toxic workplace culture, as well as the cultural implications of Charney's controversial decisions. It's a humorous yet critical look at the chaos that rocked the fashion industry.
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Legalize LA Immigrant Advocacy
- Charney led protests against the government's immigration audit that threatened his undocumented workers.
- He paid severance in cash to undocumented workers he had to let go legally without compensation.
Charney's Party Mansion Life
- Charney's Hollywood Hills mansion featured a split between work areas and pleasure zones filled with employees, models, and dogs.
- American Apparel launched a dog clothing line, controversially sexualizing dogs in its advertising.
Marketing Controversy Fueled by Self
- Charney desired controversy and used it as a marketing tool, perpetuating rumors about himself.
- He openly behaved erratically and sexually in the workplace, but this only triggered brief public outrage then.