Load Up On Pretty Prints At American Apparel

We walked into American Apparel yesterday not expecting much because our previous trips resulted in nothing but spandex, some more spandex and a little bit of lace. But, upon my entering one of the many AAs in downtown NYC, we saw so many cute skirts and patterns. Definitely walked away with new skirts in a pretty sea green, lots of chiffon tanks, and dresses that don't stick to you like feathers to honey--an AA staple. Despite all the financial troubles and board member resignations, the company is doing well for itself with new patterns, prints and spring material.

American Apparel: Beating a Dead Horse?

Earlier this week it was released that American Apparel's Dov Charney was able to secure $15 million dollars to keep the debt-beast at bay just a smidgen longer and keep the company afloat. It is said that the money was raised by a board of Canadian investors with an option for further investment in the next since months. Fashionista.com reports that many of these investors are taking the stance that Charney is merely misunderstood and eccentric (uh...?), and who has also taken a hit in diluting his stocks in order to make this deal happen. One of the investors is quoted as saying that they look for companies who are being "discounted...for reasons that are temporary." While it may seem like a stretch to put these sentiments next to a company which has faced such controversy and seems to have been floundering for awhile now, this is the same investment company that was able to successfully bail out Jamba Juice in the last few years, so maybe they can be the white knight for American Apparel as well; thoughts?

Text: Corinna Fabre

Information: Fashionista.com

Picture: American Apparel

American Apparel Launches Denim, And No They're Not The Crotchless Kind

Once a place where all metallic leggings go to die, American Apparel has definitely come a long way. Through out the years the L.A.-based company has added accessories (bringing back scrunchies and athletic headbands), jazz shoes and California Select vintage clothes. But of course what it's mostly known for these days are the controversies that surround its provocative ads, which include a model sporting sheer underwear that exposes her au natural lady part, and CEO Dov Charney, who is not one to shy away from sexual harassment cases.

The company recently reported a loss of $86.3 million dollars last year, and according to WWD, it is potentially very close to filing bankruptcy. However, despite of the controversies and its bad financial state, American Apparel is coming out with denim. In a press release, Charney says, "Jeans are iconic, essential part of the modern wardrobe, just like the t-shirt... No one does basics like American Apparel. We've mastered the basic t-shirt, now we're getting excited about jeans."

But can denim save American Apparel? Despite the seemingly lack of ethics in its practices, the company does employ many Americans with their local, vertically integrated manufacturing. Not to mention that it carries some pretty great basics that other clothing companies just can't seem to rival. What do you say, will American Apparel be able to dig itself out of the hole?

Text Kristina Bravo
Image courtesy of American Apparel
Source: Fashionista.com