I have to say this week’s news highlighting the trials and tribulations facing American Apparel have been painful for me. Talk of SEC investigations, plummeting stocks, accounting firm walkouts and not enough liquidity to get through the next 12 months, seems to me that the odds are high that even the eccentric-hipster-that-makes-you-go-hmm, Dov Charney, won’t be able to wiggle his way out of this one. To tell you the truth, the whole thing is making me depressed.
Over the last few years, I have thoroughly enjoyed the American Apparel roller-coaster ride. It has become an addiction of mine to see what will happen next. From their fabulously left-centric political campaigns and going-public announcements to the Woody Allen lawsuit, Legalize LA campaign – in support of immigration reform, sexual harassment chatter and American Apparel spoofs, you American Apparel, have made my days as an editor covering this industry so much more exciting and for that I love you.
This is a direct call out to Dov. Dude, you have to find a way to stage a come back. Without American Apparel this industry loses a lot. Not only do you offer awesome blank T’s, hoodies that are stylish and comfy and product that is made in the USA, you also bring to the industry something that can’t be sewn – personality. Who will stir things up on the trade-show floor by tossing thongs out to unsuspecting middle-aged distributors? (no disrespect to anyone middle-aged – I too am middle-aged.)
I know you have at least seven or eight more lives in you yet. So grab your polaroid, some skinny jeans and amateur models and get your thinking caps on. If there is any way out of this mess, I know you will find it.
