Directed by Sally Rose Griffiths and produced by RAW and BBH, the film promises a gripping look at how a seemingly progressive company with vibrant colors and ethical slogans unraveled behind the scenes into chaos, scandal, and corporate collapse.
At its peak in the early 2000s, American Apparel was more than just a clothing brand — it was a cultural statement. Known for its sweatshop-free promise and edgy, sexually charged ad campaigns, it became synonymous with a new kind of youthful, liberal cool. Under the leadership of charismatic founder and CEO Dov Charney, the brand expanded rapidly, opening hundreds of stores and captivating a generation eager for authenticity.
But Trainwreck reveals how the same qualities that propelled American Apparel into the spotlight also contributed to its downfall. Through first-hand interviews, archival footage, and internal accounts, the documentary explores the cult-like environment Charney fostered — one where the lines between innovation and exploitation became dangerously blurred.
As young employees flocked to work for what seemed like a dream brand, many found themselves navigating a toxic culture shaped by erratic leadership and blurred boundaries. The film explores the growing disillusionment among staffers, financial mismanagement, and a cascade of sexual harassment allegations that ultimately led to Charney’s ousting and the company’s demise.
Executive produced by Sheun Adelasoye De Nicola, Alexander Marengo, Tim Wardle, Casey Feldman, Erica Roberts, and William Swann, and produced by series producer Ben Rumney, Trainwreck is more than just a corporate exposé — it’s a case study in how power, branding, and unchecked ambition can collide.
As the docuseries prepares to premiere on July 1st, it promises to shine a light on the real people behind the myth of American Apparel — those who lived through its highs, endured its lows, and are now ready to tell the truth.
Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel will be available to stream starting July 1st.
