Los Angeles Apparel
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Clothing manufacturing and distribution |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Dov Charney |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Dov Charney (Founder) |
| Products | T-shirts, sweatshirts, cotton bodysuits, swimwear |
Number of employees | 1500+ |
Overview
Los Angeles Apparel operates as a clothing manufacturer, designer, and distributor headquartered in South-Central Los Angeles. Established in 2016 by Dov Charney, the original creator of American Apparel, the company continues Charney's vision in the apparel industry. As a vertically integrated enterprise, Los Angeles Apparel manages various stages of production internally and has grown to employ more than 1,500 individuals.
History
Los Angeles Apparel was established in 2016 by Dov Charney in Los Angeles, California following his dismissal from American Apparel by its board amid multiple accusations, including sexual harassment, racism, and sexual assault. Charney declined a $4.5 million severance offer and the position of "creative director" within the company, opting instead to launch Los Angeles Apparel as a wholesale operation, echoing the original business model of American Apparel when it began in 1989.
Approximately 90% of the machinery used in the new factory had previously been owned by American Apparel. Charney acquired fabric, computers, sewing machines, and other essential equipment through the bankruptcy sale of American Apparel’s assets. Toward the end of 2016, Los Angeles Apparel entered into a multimillion-dollar partnership with Cincinnati-based TSC Apparel. This collaboration enabled the new company’s products to reach concert promoter Live Nation Entertainment and screen printers who had formerly been customers of American Apparel.
To highlight the significance of the individuals crafting the garments, Los Angeles Apparel began featuring workers' names and photographs on shirt labels starting in 2017.
In 2020, health authorities mandated the closure of Los Angeles Apparel due to "flagrant violations of mandatory public health infection control orders." Initially, Charney circumvented lockdown restrictions by reopening as an essential business focused on producing and selling masks, thereby preventing employees from qualifying for unemployment benefits. Before the factory’s eventual shutdown, 300 employees contracted COVID-19, resulting in four fatalities.
Production
Los Angeles Apparel was initially launched as a wholesale enterprise. The company openly acknowledges that its clothing line and business approach closely resemble those of American Apparel. It operates as both a manufacturer and supplier of garments, catering to screen printers, apparel brands, and boutiques. Its product range primarily includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, cotton bodysuits, and swimwear.
As a vertically integrated manufacturer, Los Angeles Apparel carries out knitting and dyeing processes within Los Angeles. Reflecting the principles upheld by American Apparel, the company maintains a strong dedication to "sweatshop free" production practices.