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Made in Downtown LA
T-shirts, sweatshop-free, wholesale t-shirts, American Apparel, Made in Los Angeles
Happy Gay Marriage Day!
Posted by: Spence (Employee)  5/15/2008  12:03
The California Supreme Court got with the times today and ruled that the Golden State's ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional. Huzzah! One in ten Americans now live in a place where they can marry whom they want. A nice step forward, eh? But before you start picking out matching bridesmaid dresses and house shopping for that perfect little bungalow for two, the haters will be trying to put an initiative on the ballot in November to overturn this ruling. So get ready to hit the streets for the Mother Of All Gay Rights Battles. And remember, there are still people out there who fear the power of the rainbow:
 
During the trial, which was held in Panama City, Florida, yesterday and today, Ponce de Leon High School's principal David Davis admitted under oath that he had banned students from wearing any clothing or symbols supporting equal rights for gay people. Davis also testified that he believed rainbows were "sexually suggestive" and would make students unable to study because they'd be picturing gay sex acts in their mind. The principal went on to admit that while censoring rainbows and gay pride messages he allowed students to wear other symbols many find controversial, such as the Confederate flag.
 
Hum, I guess American Apparel is doing its part to make everyone think of gay sex:
 
Mmm...Rainbow Booty
Dov Charney of American Apparel Named Retailer of the Year
Posted by: Lisa (Employee)  5/13/2008  17:01
Dov was on hand in New York last week to accept the award for Retailer of the Year at the 15th Annual Michael Awards, noted by those in the know as 'The Golden Globes of Fashion.' American Apparel was honored by Steve Shor, Founder and President of the awards, for its "progressive business practices and and provocative advertising campaigns [which] have set the company apart as a fascinating story in the fashion world". To that we say "Hurrah!". Click here for more info.
 
California Select Store: Now Open & Models Wanted
Posted by: Lisa (Employee)  5/8/2008  18:08
 
California Select is a new concept from American Apparel. We've collected some of the great, unique, and inspirational styles and looks from all over the world to create a whole new way to shop for great vintage styles. We've been opening California Select stores in cities all over the world (Los Angeles, Berlin, New York City, Calgary and Mexico City and more to come) but if you're not in any of these cities, great news: California Select has now gone online - eBay to be exact.
 
There are tons of new hand-picked pieces added weekly and bidding starts at a low $9.99. Check out the California Select eBay store here.
 
We're also looking for more guys and girls to model for the vintage line. If you're in the Southern California area, it's an unpaid gig but here's what you get: a sweet 50% off American Apparel merchandise, a first chance look at some of the hottest vintage pieces in the world, and a chance to build your modeling portfolio by modeling for American Apparel. E-mail your photo and contact info to vintage@americanapparel.net.
The 600 Club
Posted by: Lisa (Employee)  5/7/2008  16:27
If you've been trying to figure out what to do with the economic stimulus package that most of us are about to receive, men.style.com have a few ideas for what to blow the 600 bucks on. They've compiled of a list of 21 stylish ways to spend your rebate check on Made in USA goods. One of their suggestions: 7 weeks worth of clean underwear. There's a joke about a stimulus package somewhere but I'm not going there.
 
Click on image to enlarge.
 
Bob & Terry Richardson in Japan - Reception Parties
Posted by: Lisa (Employee)  5/7/2008  13:02

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Sumiko in Japan sent us some photos from the reception parties that were thrown recently in honor of the Bob and Terry Richardson exhibitions organized by American Apparel Japan. Over 500 folks showed up to the Bob Richardson reception and about 400 people came down to party for Terry's show. First hand accounts from guests tell me that both parties were insanely awesome. The exhibitions are on view til the 8th (that's today in Japan). More info here.
 
 
 
 
WHAT STARTS OFF LIKE THIS...
Posted by: Iris (Employee)  5/7/2008  00:54
AND ENDS UP LIKE THIS?
Posted by: Iris (Employee)  5/7/2008  00:51

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I have no idea.
 
And I'm not going to utter that compound word that allowed those of us who remember to puff a steamy mouthful of breath onto the chests of the boys that we loved, if only for a fleeting Summer. I will not say it.
 
I may have heard a rumor, but it's not safe for us to talk here. If you know my email and you can keep a secret, write me with the password and I may divulge. For the rest, hopefully next week I'll be able to speak openly about this, but until then, as Dov would say...Say a prayer to the atheist gods for me. This is some serious stuff, as far as t-shirts go.
 
Hyperly Yours,
 
Iris
DDR Dance Off
Posted by: Flopsy  5/6/2008  12:15
Not only does Steven Colbert have love for American Apparel, but he also has a special place in his heart for the Korean pop sensation, Rain.
 
Watch the two of them pop and lock in one heated dance battle.
 
Seriously, I'm not.
Posted by: Iris (Employee)  5/5/2008  11:04

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I love Stereolab. Emperor Tomato Ketchup is still in my top 5 of favorite Sunday morning albums.
 
I dont know if I've ever seen a Stereolab video before, but I just saw this one, and I really like it too! Maybe it's because Im a stoner, though. Just kidding! Im totally not. hahaahahah. ha. ahem.
 
Sometimes you need to be reminded.
Posted by: Erik Jimmy  5/5/2008  09:08
 
Don't forget that it can be worse.
REBEL YELL!
Posted by: Iris (Employee)  5/3/2008  20:18

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Thanks to everyone who joined the American Apparel crew at the May Day immigration rally on Thursday. Around 1,500 of us walked from the factory (7th & Alameda) to the rally (1st & Broadway), and with the help of LAPD's finest, our gang literally TOOK OVER Alameda. Traffic came to a halt. Red lights meant nothing to our posse. We owned the road. That was really tuff.
 
The rally itself was intense and positive. It's estimated that around 8,500 participated in the downtown gathering. At least a thousand non-AA family members were flaunting their very own Legalize LA tees, and flashing those blindingly neon yellow "Immigration Reform Now!" signs that have mysteriously popped up all over Los Angeles County during the past few months. It was unifying, to say the least, and it felt great to realize that the Legalize LA message has touched so many people outside of our organization.
 

 

 
On that note, we still have tons more tees. We're sending them to ALL American Apparel stores worldwide, so call your buddies in Amsterdam, Seoul, and Tel Aviv and tell 'em to go get a shirt, and wear it with pride.
 
It's really Made in Downtown LA!
 
Lots of love, and thanks for the support,
 
iris
 
Black and white photos by Tom Andrews. See a larger one of Jonny and Paris here.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
Posted by: dallas  5/2/2008  20:50

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It's been a hectic week here at American Apparel factory headquarters. Fabian Nunez Speaker of the State Assembly, meetings with Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a flood of media coverage (including none other than CNN) and of course yesterday's May 1st march for immigrant rights.
 
Tens of thousands flooded cities across the U.S. in support of national immigration policy reform.
 
We're glad to say this year's protest in downtown Los Angeles was peaceful and well organized and A.A. was there in full community support.
 
For more pictures of the march click here.
 
Full photo and video coverage from our end coming soon!
DID SOMEONE SAY FREE T-SHIRT?
Posted by: Iris (Employee)  4/30/2008  17:41
Hell yeah, I did.
 
Buy anything at any LA AA store and get a FREE Legalize LA tee (while supplies last).
 
Even better, put that bad ass shirt on your bad ass self and come down to the AA factory to show your support for the bad ass folks that make it all happen. Seriously, if you dont have much to do tomorrow, DO THIS! It's part of history, my friends, and you should know about it!
 
TOMORROW, MAY 1, AT 3PM 7th & ALAMEDA DOWNTOWN LA
 
see you there. xoxo iris
Legalize L.A. March
Posted by: Lisa (Employee)  4/30/2008  16:06
American Apparel will once again participate in the May 1st Immigration March and Rally in downtown Los Angeles. This year we've added a route from our factory that will eventually connect with other supporters near the city hall.
 
What: Employees, family and friends will assemble at the American Apparel factory and march, escorted by the LAPD, to the main rally point near Broadway and 1st Street.
 
Why: To draw attention to the need for immigration reform in this country and support the diversity that makes Los Angeles amazing.
 
When: Thursday, May 1, 2008 - Departure from American Apparel will begin at 3pm.
 
Where: American Apparel Factory - 747 Warehouse Street Los Angeles, CA 90021. Major cross streets are 7th Street and Alameda.
 
Route: Start northwest on 7th Street towards downtown. Right on Central then left on 5th Street and, finally, right on Broadway. Total distance, approximately 2 miles.
 
We will begin to bus participants back to the factory starting at 5:30pm. Pick up site will be on 1st Street and Alameda. Join us at this pro-immigration march and rally, and receive a Free Legalize LA t-shirt from American Apparel. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes!
 
Employees: We ask that those of you who can carpool, please do so. Due to the time frame, there will be cars from the 1st and 2nd shift in the parking lot at the same time. Parking will be very limited and your cooperation is appreciated.
 
Visit the Legalize LA page.
LEON's Prediction: Leggings for Men
Posted by: LEON Bailey Green  4/25/2008  11:10

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Slim fit, tight and skinny jeans are the style of choice for many male Brits. But as we look to moving fashion on and seek alternative materials, leggings will fit into its place really well.
 
It's difficult to imagine men wearing leggings, such as these from AA, but with a couple more features on the catwalk and rock stars starting the look it'll take off.
 
See my article on why I think Leggings and UGGs for men will be the next big things.
Japan: Bob and Terry Richardson Exhibitions
Posted by: Lisa (Employee)  4/23/2008  12:37
 
It will be the first time and will probably the last time for both Bob and Terry Richardson's exhibitions to be held at the same time. Bob Richardson was a fashion photographer in the 60s. His son Richard has worked on ad campaigns for Gucci, Miu Miu and Tom Ford. 'Bob Richardson' a photograph collection book was selected by Terry and released in 2005. More information (in Japanese) here.
 
Bob Richardson Exhibition
4/25/2008 - 5/8/2008
Zel Cafe / Gallery
Roppongi 5-10-25
Zel Court 1F
Minato-ku, Tokyo
 
Terry Richardson Exhibition
4/26/2008 - 5/8/2008
Laforet Museum Harajuku
Jungumae 1-11-6
Laforet Harajuku 6F
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
AA Jerusalem is cool too
Posted by: Lindsay (Employee)  4/23/2008  09:18

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When people think of Israel, the assumption is that Tel Aviv, with its cafes, proximity to the Mediterranean coast, secular character and world-famous night life, is the cooler of Israel's major cities. Jerusalem is often viewed as Tel Aviv's dowdy older sister with its Hassidic Jews, Christian pilgrims and Mosques and Minarets. Not excatly, you know, fun-time-party action with all that holiness, right?
 
Well, no. People who know, know that in many ways Jerusalem is far more twisted and fun than Tel Aviv. Many visiting AA staff were in fact astonished at just how cool and fun Jerusalem actually is and many plans to spend the day in Jerusalem and then quickly return to Tel Aviv at night were dashed as a result.
 
This reality is reflected in the staff at the AA store in Jerusalem's trendy Nachalat Shiva neighborhood. For instance, there's Zohar Shafir aka Nico teen, AA salesperson by day, electro-tinged pop songstress by night. Her latest 7 song EP, Two Trick Pony "puts emphasis on highly catchy tunes and strong vocals and vocal harmonies, using home recording methods with toy synthesizers."
 
Toy synthesizers! What can be cooler than that?? Check out more Nico Teen on her MySpace page at myspace.com/nicoteensillypoo. That's right. nicoteensillypoo. And they said Jerusalem was dowdy...
Cleaner Cotton for American Apparel
Posted by: Lisa (Employee)  4/18/2008  16:40
In an effort to expand our sustainable practices, American Apparel has just purchased the largest amount of Cleaner Cotton(TM) from CA's Central Valley. This non GMO cotton is farmed using chemical reduction methods targeting the chemicals with the highest toxicity to our water, air and wildlife. Chemical reduction will allow these local farmers to improve farm profitability while maintaining crop yields. Cleaner Cotton is documented to have a 73% reduction in chemical use in the first year of implantation.
 
Read our press release below:
 
AMERICAN APPAREL PURCHASES THE LARGEST AMOUNT OF CLEANER COTTON FROM CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL VALLEY
 
More T-Shirts Equals Less Pesticides; American Apparel Expands Its Sustainable Practices
 
LOS ANGELES, CA (April 18, 2008) - American Apparel, Inc. (Amex: APP), a leader in the sustainable garment industry, has joined forces with the Cleaner Cotton(TM) Campaign to purchase the largest amount of Cleaner Cotton(TM) (also known as B.A.S.I.C. cotton) by a single manufacturer.
 
The Cleaner Cotton(TM) Campaign has developed a working knowledge of biological techniques that can be effectively and economically applied in California's farmland. By reducing chemical use on farms, Cleaner Cotton(TM) helps keep toxins out of the soil, air and water. The program also avoids the use of genetically modified seeds.
 
"We are thrilled to be supporting the Cleaner Cotton(TM) Campaign," said Erika Martinez, head of organic programs at American Apparel. "This unique program not only promotes the reduction of chemical use but it also assists farmers through the cultivation process."
 
"We hope that American Apparel's commitment will inspire other California companies to join our Cleaner Cotton(TM) Campaign," said Marcia Gibbs, director at the Sustainable Cotton Project.
 
Last year, there were 2,000 acres of Cleaner Cotton(TM) grown, which prevented 7,000 pounds of chemicals from entering the environment. This was reported by the California Environmental Protection Agency, which makes all of its records available to the public.
 
About American Apparel, Inc. American Apparel is the largest vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and retailer of t-shirts and related products in the world. Now with nearly 200 stores in 15 countries, American Apparel is the fastest-growing clothing retailer. It employs approximately 7,000 employees globally and pays its garment workers the highest wages in the industry. All clothes are cut and sewn at its 800,000 sq. ft. facility in downtown Los Angeles. www.americanapparel.net
 
About Sustainable Cotton Project The Sustainable Cotton Project is a non-profit organization based in California's Central Valley. Through its Cleaner Cotton(TM) Campaign, it is committed to helping family farmers reduce their chemical use for cotton farming without the use of genetically modified cottonseeds. Sustainable Cotton Project's philosophy of "cooperation for a change" has fostered a new level of shared information among farmers, manufacturers and others in support of creating a cleaner cotton industry. www.sustainablecotton.org
AA + RFID
Posted by: Lisa (Employee)  4/16/2008  19:07
We're taking things to the next level with radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging. American Apparel is one the first retailers to adopt RFID technology at the item-level. We'll first be rolling it out in our NYC locations over the next three months and then to all of our North American stores.
 
Why RFID?
 
Well...it'll help us keep better track of everything we produce from the factory all the way to the retail store and allows for wireless inventory to be taken in stores, which will save time and be far more accurate, and enable our employees to keep the floor stocked better and we can offer merchandise in every size and color so you can find exactly what you're looking for every time you visit an American Apparel store.
 
Sounds like it'll make for some happy employees and customers.
 
Read more about it here and here.
Get Crafty: T-Shirt Bag
Posted by: Lisa (Employee)  4/16/2008  16:30

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I'm a die-hard fan of Martha Stewart, the domestic queen that most people love to hate but secretly want to be their mom. Today's Craft of the Day is a T-shirt Bag. A great way of getting another use of the old t-shirts sitting in your bottom drawer and perfect for going green in time for Earth Day, which is coming up next week.
 
Watch how to turn your old tees into totes here. (Tip: Fast forward the video to about 6:00 if you want to skip Martha waxing on about pumpkins.)
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Recent Posts
Happy Gay Marriage Day! 5/15/2008
Dov Charney of American Apparel Named Retailer of the Year 5/13/2008
California Select Store: Now Open & Models Wanted 5/08/2008
The 600 Club 5/07/2008
Bob & Terry Richardson in Japan - Reception Parties 5/07/2008
WHAT STARTS OFF LIKE THIS... 5/07/2008
AND ENDS UP LIKE THIS? 5/07/2008
DDR Dance Off 5/06/2008
Seriously, I'm not.  5/05/2008
Sometimes you need to be reminded. 5/05/2008
REBEL YELL! 5/03/2008
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN 5/02/2008
DID SOMEONE SAY FREE T-SHIRT? 4/30/2008
Legalize L.A. March 4/30/2008
LEON's Prediction: Leggings for Men 4/25/2008
Japan: Bob and Terry Richardson Exhibitions 4/23/2008
AA Jerusalem is cool too 4/23/2008
Cleaner Cotton for American Apparel 4/18/2008
AA + RFID 4/16/2008
Get Crafty: T-Shirt Bag 4/16/2008
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