Is Dov Charney still working in fashion? Whereabouts of disgraced American Apparel CEO from Netflix's Trainwreck, explored

American Apparel’s former CEO Dov Charney, now featured in Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel on Netflix, is on the spotlight once again. The documentary has renewed public interest in his career, highlighting how he stayed active in the industry even after leaving the iconic brand.

Charney's focus now is on projects that reflect his original vision for local manufacturing and bold branding. He is aiming to rebuild his reputation and establish a new chapter in fashion after the controversies surrounding his departure from American Apparel.

After being ousted from American Apparel in 2014 amidst multiple allegations of s*xual harassment, toxic working environment and other misconducts, he founded Los Angeles Apparel and continues to lead the company as its CEO.

An industry comeback after American Apparel

Despite his controversial history, Charney has maintained a strong presence in the fashion industry. He has been focusing on rebuilding his career through ventures centered on local manufacturing and ethical labor practices.

Known for his bold marketing approach and emphasis on American-made clothing, he turned American Apparel into a globally recognized brand, but that was before he faced lawsuits and internal conflicts that led to his removal.

While many expected his exit to mark the end of his influence in fashion, he returned with Los Angeles Apparel two years later. His goal was to revive his vision of vertically integrated and domestically produced apparel. Charney is still actively involved in every facet of his new business today, managing design, production, and business strategy from his base in Los Angeles.

The rise and fall of American Apparel

American Apparel was founded in 1989 and immediately gained notoriety for its "Made in USA" manufacturing and aggressive advertising. In the 2000s, the brand became well-known and opened hundreds of outlets in major cities across the globe.

The business used a contentious marketing approach under Charney's direction to differentiate itself from the competition. However, the quick growth resulted in financial and legal issues. Tension arose within the organization as a result of Charney's several lawsuits pertaining to claims of s*xual harassment, toxic working atmosphere and other misbehavior.

In 2014, following an internal investigation, the board of directors fired him. After declaring bankruptcy the following year, American Apparel shut down all of its physical retail locations. Gildan Activewear purchased the brand in 2017, and it currently exclusively does business online.

Founding Los Angeles Apparel

Charney launched Los Angeles Apparel in 2016, a company focused on producing basic clothing items locally in Los Angeles, using a vertically integrated model similar to his previous brand.

Los Angeles Apparel emphasizes domestic manufacturing and aims to provide fair-wage jobs while promoting transparency in its operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company gained attention for producing masks and protective equipment, helping maintain production and keep workers employed. More controversies surrounded the brand and its owner nonetheles, as seen in the Netflix documentary.

Nowadays, Los Angeles Apparel employs around 1,500 workers and offers a range of casual and essential apparel products. By emphasizing ethical labor methods and local manufacture, Charney was able to present the brand as an extension of his original vision.

Business partnerships and expansion

Charney remains deeply involved in Los Angeles Apparel’s business strategy and daily operations. The company has collaborated with other fashion labels, including Kanye West’s Yeezy brand, through manufacturing partnerships.

While Charney’s company has produced items for Yeezy, he does not hold any leadership or design position within the brand. In 2022, Charney refused to manufacture a controversial swastika-themed shirt for Yeezy, showing his selective approach to production decisions.

In 2025, Los Angeles Apparel expanded its retail presence by opening a store in SoHo, New York. This move marked a significant step in its direct-to-consumer growth and reinforced the company’s efforts to build a stronger retail footprint.

Netflix's Trainwreck and renewed attention

In July 2025, Netflix released Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel, a documentary series examining the brand’s rise and fall and Charney’s role in its internal culture. In it, former employees are interviewed, and they describe the work environment during Charney’s tenure and share details about internal conflicts that contributed to the company's decline.

Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel has sparked renewed interest in Charney’s leadership and American Apparel’s legacy, with viewers revisiting past controversies and discussing how the brand’s identity shifted after Charney’s departure.

Where Dov Charney stands today

As of 2025, Dov Charney continues to live and work in Los Angeles, managing Los Angeles Apparel. Despite his controversial past, he remains a notable figure in the fashion industry and continues to support domestic manufacturing and ethical labor practices.

Meanwhile, American Apparel operates exclusively as an online brand under Gildan Activewear, reflecting a major change from its original identity under Charney’s leadership.