Fashion Revolution
Posted by SCapozzola on April 3rd, 2008
ManufactureThis was doing some clothes shopping in Pittsburgh recently and happened into an American Apparel store. The two pairs of sweatpants we selected cost $36 each. This was a surprising price tag, but as the cash register person pithily explained, “These pants were made in America.”
In fact, the pants were made in Los Angeles. American Apparel is based in L.A. and stitches its clothes there in a “vertically integrated” warehouse operation. The company makes a point of paying its workers well, a cost reflected in their slightly higher than average prices. The company’s website states that their average factory worker with experience earns “about $25,000/yr (i.e. $12/hr, well over twice the federal minimum),” and is eligible for “company-subsidized, affordable health insurance ($8/week, $1-3/week for children).”
In addition to a living wage, the company prides itself on “significant brand awareness and a cult status worldwide.” While the price tag may be slightly higher, American Apparel’s products are intended to be both fashionable and durable—an offshoot of their hip L.A. reputation.
In a surprise move, the company hopes to expand their reputation and operations by attempting to sell their products in China. They believe that a chic American label can appeal to Chinese consumers.
In today’s Los Angeles Times, American Apparel’s CEO Dov Charney noted that “It’s more efficient and less expensive to source from one country than from multiple sites, as many other companies do.” Charney said that importing products from a collection of nations involves more headaches and costs. And so, for American Apparel, “Made in the USA becomes a competitive advantage,” one he hopes to promote internationally.
With regard to stores in Beijing, Charney noted that sales clerks would earn hourly wages exceeding the U.S. minimum of $5.85—more than some Chinese workers earn in a day. The company simply believes in “knowing the faces of our workers and providing them the opportunity to make a fair wage.”
It remains to be seen how such a reverse move to China will work, but some industry experts suggest that because American Apparel’s clothes are actually made in America, they might attract a following among some consumers in China—gaining “cachet to young fashion-oriented Chinese.”
The company’s concern for worker rights and fair trade puts an unusual spin on relations with Beijing. If anything, their lofty ambitions highlight China’s lack of labor and safety standards as well as opaque trade practices and outright cheating. If American Apparel can go to Beijing and promise to pay Chinese workers a living wage, why are the Chinese allowed to continue their wanton violation of international trade law as well as human rights violations?
America’s politicians should have answers for those questions.
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I’m familiar with American Apparrel and a surprising number of other clothing companies in USA. You would also be surprised at how many boots are made here as well.
Since last summer, I’ve been frustrated over finding “Made in USA” products. I created a reference website for consumers to search to find whatever they are looking for. We also offer services “No charge” to find things others can’t find. Have a look at
www.madebyyankees.net and
www.madebyyankees.com
April 16th, 2008 at 7:38 am
AMERICAN APPAREL is a supporter of Obama’s: The company has been criticized for sexually charged advertising and unconventional corporate culture. In 2005, three female employees filed sexual harassment lawsuits against American Apparel’s CEO, Dov Charney.
Charney claimed to have slept with employees, and had other sexual acts performed on him by an employee during a series of interviews with a writer for the magazine, Jane.[12] American Apparel has also been accused of focusing on personal style and outward appearance in its hiring practices for retail positions. Charney has taken a personal interest in his company’s sexually-charged advertising campaigns. Many of the models are recruited by Charney and his colleagues on the street, or company stores; others are selected after sending their photos directly to Charney via the company website.[3] Many of the intimate ad photos have been shot in Charney’s own apartment. Charney has also emphasized sexuality in his public persona and within the company. (Ref: John Stossel, Sexy sweats without the Sweatshop, ABC Television December 2, 2005)
Three of the four employee lawsuits were either dropped or settled, with the fourth still pending.[28]. Jane.[29] American Apparel has also been accused of focusing on personal style and outward appearance in its hiring practices for retail positions.
Dov Charney went on trial on January 12, 2008 for Sexual Harassment charges.
I wonder if Obama would want either of his daughters working for this man. This goes to good judgement.