White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch
| Industry | Retail (Clothing) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1892 |
| Founder | David T. Abercrombie, Ezra Fitch |
Key people | Mike Jeffries (former CEO) |
| Products | Clothing, accessories |
Overview
White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch is a 2022 American documentary film created for Netflix under the direction of Alison Klayman. This film examines the tremendous growth and subsequent controversies surrounding Abercrombie & Fitch throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. It premiered on April 19, 2022.
Synopsis
White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch examines the brand’s ascent alongside its controversies, notably highlighting discriminatory and exclusionary behaviors. The film centers on the surge in the company’s prominence following the appointment of CEO Mike Jeffries in 1992, whose leadership style contributed to a 2003 class-action lawsuit accusing the retailer of racial bias in its hiring practices. Director Alison Klayman delves into the detrimental corporate environment, incorporating testimonies from key figures involved in the lawsuit. Additionally, the documentary presents the story of Samantha Elauf, who was denied employment after wearing a headscarf to her interview. Abercrombie challenged this decision, leading to a Supreme Court ruling in 2015 that favored Elauf.
Reception
According to Rotten Tomatoes, 63% of the 27 reviews from critics are favorable.