Sign up to the economist for in-depth

expert analysis of world events,

and topics ranging from business and culture

to science and technology.

You'll get the weekly digital edition,

online only articles,

curated newsletters on politics, the markets, science, culture and China.

And full access to The Economist Podcast Plus.

The Economist is Independent Journalism for Independent Thinking.

Go to die.

We will discuss any and everything from bad charities, terrible CEOs, and businesses that have a lot to hide.

I'm the aluminati and today we're going to be talking about yet another shady company, this one American Apparel. Now American apparel has a little bit of everything, some horrible ads, sexual harassment, so advanced trigger warning for that, you name it, and they've probably been involved in some sort of scandal surrounding it essentially.

But before we get into there, we are going to start, as always, at the beginning, with their company history.

So let's get into it. Now, right off the bat the store is called American apparel but it was founded by a

Canadian by the name of Dob Charnie in 1989 when he was just 20 years old

while originally founded with the in 1989 when he was just 20 years old.

While originally founded with the humble intention

of providing blank garments to screen printers

and boutique labels, the brand quickly outgrew

its wholesale routes and found a place within the wider retail landscape.

The entire industry from streetwear and high fashion labels to big box stores was quick to notice

the young brand full of sass, attitude, and seemingly unstoppable in its growth.

...