Alexander Wang has just been slapped with a $50 million dollar lawsuit.

Although Alexander has had a successful year and reportedly netted over $25 million in profit, the New York Post is reporting that he and his brother Dennis have been operating a factory under shocking conditions in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighbourhood.

In the suit, filed at Queens Supreme Court by a collective of thirty Chinese garment workers, it is claimed that the designer disobeyed a host of New York state labour laws.

Workers in the 200-square-foot space on Broadway say they were forced to work for stints of up to 25 hours at a time, while conditions were unsafe.

Not only do the high-end garment makers claim to have not been paid overtime, but they say they were threatened with losing their jobs if work in the ‘windowless’ room was not completed.

Sad news today for us wanna-be fashionable men.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have DISCONTINUED their menswear of Elizabeth and James.

I was wondering what was up with Elizabeth and James for awhile, so yesterday - while being bored and online shopping, I decided to send an e-mail, since I couldn’t find a press release or info on the matter.

I received word back today that simply stated:

Hi Stephen, 

Unfortunately the men’s line has been discontinued. 

Thank you

ROBBIE STUART 

I’ve been a huge fan of the line since it debuted. I loved the fit of the clothing, the effortless yet stylish street appeal. The clothes were something you could wear to the office - but step right out for a night out in.

It’s a sad day for menswear.

Check out the released promotional video for Versace’s H&M Collection!

I hate using this word but … fabulous!

VERSACE announced the luxury brand will be teaming up with H&M for the Fall.

Designer Donetella Versace said: “I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity to reaching it’s wide audience”.

The collection is said to be glamorous and flamboyant and will also include ‘the perfect tuxedo’ for men.

Check out these HILARIOUS e-mails sent to “American Apparel” employees of how to look (and how they should not look).

Really, it’s not hilarious at all. “American Apparel” is lame.

I can appreciate them wanting people to look clean and well-kempt just like any store would, but this is taking it too far.

Let’s also make something clear. “American Apparel” isn’t fashionable.It’s just bright colours and plain overpriced t-shirts. It’s not fashion when everyone, their mother and dog has “American Apparel” clothing. More fashion can come out of “Value Village”.  I do like their underwear though.

On another thought, maybe this is why the company is losing so much money - that and all the shoplifting that people do there. Maybe if the employees didn’t have to be so concerned about their looks and rather their JOBS the company wouldn’t be suffering such great losses.

Check out the e-mails send out below:

_______________________________________________________________________________________

From: Katherine Johnson
Subject: Grooming- Females

Hi everyone,

Please keep in mind that American Apparel is a retailer that celebrates natural beauty. We encourage employees to feel comfortable in their natural skin and natural state. This aesthetic is a part of the company image; as we do not photoshop our advertisements and our models appear in their natural state, it’s important that this image is cohesive in the stores.


a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.

b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.
c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:
-Hair must be kept your natural color.
-Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.
-“Bangs” or “fringe” are advised against. It is not part of the direction we’re moving in. 
d) Jewelry must not be distracting. Please do not wear accessories with another brand’s logo on it- this includes watches. No gauges whatsoever. One earring per ear is encouraged. Earrings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, etc. must be simple and tasteful. Please E-mail me or work@americanapparel.net with a photo if you have any questions about a specific piece of jewelry you’d like to wear in the store.

Below are photo examples of staff from around the world as well as photos I’ve extracted from the website. Managers should circulate these photos and the suggestions I’ve made to their staff. Please let me know if you have any questions. You can call or E-mail me anytime.

Katherine

_______________________________________________________________________________________

From: Katherine Johnson
Subject: Grooming- Males

Hi everyone,

Males as well as females are expected to exude the understanding of the brand’s appreciation for a natural and healthy appearance. Below are a few notes as well as photographic examples that should be circulated to the staff, specifically to male employees.

a) Hair should look natural. Excessive product to the extent of creating stiffness and an unnatural or greasy appearance to your hair is advised against.
b) Eyebrows should be natural. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color or overpluck them.
c) Males should not wear makeup.
d) Facial hair needs to be kept clean and well groomed. Any mustache or goatee of a contemporary style are advised against.
e) No gauges allowed whatsoever.

Reminders about basic dress code:
a) Button-up shirts must be tucked in to trousers.
b) Sneakers of any style are not allowed. Plain white clean Keds or Keds-like shoes are allowed.
c) Please do not wear any earrings. All accessories and watches must be clean, simple, and tasteful. They cannot distract from the garments.
d) Garments must fit properly. Trousers cannot be too tight or too baggy- and must be clean. Shirts cannot be oversized or too tight. If there is an employee that does not wear garments that fit properly, please contact me ASAP so we can resolve the matter.
e) Belts must be worn with trousers that have belt loops.

Thanks,
Katherine

Word has it that American Apparel is in some trouble.

The company has suffered operating loses, according to Gawker of $91 million dollars.

A public statement was made saying: “There can be no assurance that if either or both of these events  [restructuring deal] were to take place, that the company would be able to obtain the additional sources of liquidity required to continue operations.” 

Where are all the hipsters shopping these days? I havent shopped at AA in years. 

Do you still shop at American Apparel?