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Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

American Apparel Struggling to Survive

Dov Charney demonstrated that clothes "Made in America" could be hip and trendy at the same time making big money. His largely immigrant workforce worked in "no-sweatshop conditions" in downtown LA. When the magic ended is a matter of legal dispute, but less than a year since Charney was fired for alleged sexual harassment, American Apparel now says bankruptcy may be near. What's at stake for the garment industry in Southern California?

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By Warren Olney • Aug 26, 2015 • 26m Listen

Dov Charney demonstrated that clothes "Made in America" could be hip and trendy at the same time making big money. His largely immigrant workforce worked in "no-sweatshop conditions" in downtown LA. Just when the magic ended is a matter of legal dispute, but less than a year since Charney was fired for alleged sexual harassment, American Apparel now says bankruptcy may be near. What's at stake for the garment industry in Southern California?

Also, it may not have been his idea, but Governor Brown has created new opportunity for the "right to die" to become law in California.

Photo: Dov Charney

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Jenny Hamel

    KCRW

  • KCRW placeholder

    Paul von Zielbauer

    Co-founder of Geezer magazine, former producer for To the Point and Which Way LA?; former reporter for the New York Times

    News
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