2003 Presenter Full Presenter List

Dov Charney

American Apparel

“Innovation and socially responsible – this is the new American Dream” reads the mission statement for American Apparel, the “sweatshop free” wholesale blank t-shirt manufacturing and distributing company run by Dov Charney in Los Angeles.

Originally from Montreal, Charney began his career in the t-shirt business by selling silk-screened concert tees across the Montreal Forum, moving on to a wholesaling business from his dorm room at university. Charney moved to California in 1998 and began American Apparel LLC – which, according to Maclean’s, is now a US $40-million business.

American Apparel sees that its employees have health benefits, immigration support, higher wages and perks, such as English and computer classes, massages and yoga. Charney is revolutionizing the t-shirt industry in another way – replacing boxy, over-sized tees with soft, form-fitting tees for men, women and children.

American Apparel is expanding, too – they’ve added pants, bras, panties and hats to their line.