American Apparel

American Apparel is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of fashion basics based in downtown Los Angeles, California. The company employs approximately 10,000 people and operates 250 retail stores in 20 countries. American Apparel's sweatshop-free manufacturing operations are all in Los Angeles where nearly 6,000 industrial workers earn a living wage and have access to competitive benefits. The company is committed to sustainability, innovation and design and leverages art and technology to advance the business process.

Iris:
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Creative Director Iris Alonzo began working with American Apparel in 2004, back when there was only 1 store. She works from the main American Apparel factory in Downtown LA but also spends time in Mexico City and other inspiring locations where AA has locations. Her favorite part of the job is giving new visitors tours of the factory because "they have no idea what to expect, and are blown away when they see how we make everything". Memorable projects include learning how to make socks from the masters in North Carolina, coming up with colors the for Nail Lacquer line and designing the popular Cities Bag.

Marsha:
Marsha Brady, a native New Yorker, began as a textile industry color analyst, as a commercial interior designer. When a handbag Brady made from upholstery scraps was scouted and commissioned by Barney's New York, she found herself fielding international orders, producing in a factory she built to avert the pitfalls of outsourcing. Exhausted after several years, she moved her focus to dealing in vintage furniture. American Apparel's CEO Dov Charney, a vintage furniture enthusiast and frequent collector of her pieces, loved her story and invited her to join American Apparel in 2004. Favorite projects include bringing the AA to Paris, Seoul, Barcelona, and the development of American Apparel Lip Gloss.