Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Trainwreck: Cult of American Apparel’ explores the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of the clothing brand American Apparel, founded by Dov Charney. The documentary features former employees and others connected to the company, who share their experiences working there and reflect on their interactions with Charney. They offered personal perspectives on their relationships with the former CEO and discussed how their views of him have evolved since his ousting. The film provides a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s internal culture and the controversies that ultimately led to its downfall.
Dov Charney Started American Apparel While He Was Still in College
Dov Charney was born on January 31, 1969, in Montreal, Quebec. He grew up in a Jewish household. His father worked as an architect, and his mother was a visual artist, but the two separated when Charney was quite young. According to some reports, he was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and dyslexia early on, because of which he faced academic hurdles throughout his education. He attended private schools in both Canada and the US. During his teenage years, he began dabbling in informal cross-border trade, bringing American-made T-shirts into Canada, which sparked his early interest in the apparel industry.
Charney commenced dealing in T-shirts under the name American Apparel in the late 1980s while he was a student at Tufts University. However, his passion for clothing and business soon took precedence over academics, and he eventually dropped out to pursue his entrepreneurial goals full-time. That’s when he officially launched the brand by borrowing funds from his parents and began learning the ins and outs of textile production. Committed to domestic manufacturing, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, and set up operations in a downtown factory. Charney emphasized ethical labor, vertical integration, and minimalist design, which helped the brand stand out. With edgy marketing and a focus on urban youth culture, American Apparel quickly gained momentum and evolved into one of the fastest-growing fashion retailers of its time.
Dov Charney Runs the Operations of Another Apparel Brand Today
By the early 2010s, the brand reached a commercial peak, generating over half a billion dollars in revenue and operating hundreds of storefronts worldwide. In December 2014, Dov Charney was ousted from leadership following numerous accusations leveled against him. Undeterred, he rebounded swiftly, and by January 2016, introduced a new venture named Los Angeles Apparel. This fresh label began as a supplier of basic garments like plain tees, primarily for bulk and wholesale buyers. Over time, its offerings grew to include items such as workout gear, swimwear, headwear, and additional fashion staples. As per reports, the business also collaborated with rapper Kanye West and produced apparel for his Yeezy collection.
Los Angeles Apparel has faced its share of setbacks. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 250 workers reportedly tested positive for the virus, prompting the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to shut down the facility temporarily. The closure lasted roughly a month, with the company resuming activity by July that year. Since then, growth has been steady and significant. In May 2025, the brand revealed plans to open a flagship retail location in New York City’s SoHo district. As of today, the founder of the growing brand, Los Angeles Apparel, remains a resident of Los Angeles. His extensive experience in apparel manufacturing continues to give him a competitive edge, and he regularly appears as a featured speaker at events like the Impressions Expo in Long Beach.
Dov Charney and American Apparel Filed Many Lawsuits Against Each Other
When Dov Charney was ousted from American Apparel in 2014, the company publicly alleged that his dismissal stemmed from breaches of internal conduct rules, specifically those related to sexual misconduct, discrimination, and the inappropriate use of company resources. However, financial instability soon followed. The tensions between Charney and the firm had been building for some time. In May 2015, he launched a defamation suit against American Apparel and investment firm Standard General, demanding $30 million and alleging that his removal was based on a fabricated investigation. The following month, he pursued another legal action, accusing both parties of conspiracy and fraudulent behavior. In that filing, he requested $100 million in compensation and the reinstatement of his previously forfeited shares in the brand.
In June 2015, American Apparel filed its own set of legal actions, outlining what it described as instances of serious misconduct by Charney. However, it is important to highlight that Charney has consistently denied all allegations brought against him. He has not been found guilty of sexual misconduct or inappropriate workplace behavior in any court of law, nor has he ever faced such charges in a public legal proceeding. In 2011, five former employees filed lawsuits against him. Three of those cases were dismissed by a judge, while the remaining two were moved to confidential arbitration. By November of 2016, American Apparel had filed for bankruptcy protection twice. Charney has repeatedly asserted that his termination was the result of a calculated scheme and not due to any wrongdoing on his part.
Charney’s legal efforts to regain control of his former company ultimately led nowhere. In 2016, a court blocked his $300 million bid to acquire American Apparel during its bankruptcy proceedings. The following year, in March 2017, his defamation claim was also thrown out. After the brand was taken over by Gildan Activewear, Charney publicly reflected on the fallout, expressing a deep sense of loss. He lamented the outcome, noting that countless individuals, including investors, suppliers, and employees, suffered as a result. He added that despite everything, he felt silenced, as if powerful interests were working to erase his side of the story.
Dov Charney’s Time With American Apparel Will Always Be Remembered
Dov Charney has frequently addressed the controversies surrounding his tenure at American Apparel, often defending both his actions and his vision for the brand. In 2020, Vice’s docuseries ‘Big Rad Wolf’ chronicled his influence on the company, portraying how closely intertwined his personal identity was with the label’s bold image. Since September 2024, Charney has kept a relatively low public profile, though his passion for photography and deep-rooted connection to the city of Los Angeles remain evident. He continues to invest his energy into Los Angeles Apparel and seems to be striving to replicate the success he once achieved. While some former colleagues have criticized their experiences under his leadership, others have publicly voiced their support. He remains a polarizing figure, and his legacy at American Apparel continues to spark debate.
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