

Kate Flannery on the Rise and Fall of American Apparel (PT 1)
Dec 2, 2023
Join author and actress Kate Flannery as she delves into her chaotic journey at American Apparel, where cult-like excitement intersected with ethical dilemmas. Flannery discusses the complexity of personal identity amidst the turbulent corporate culture, revealing her struggles with imposter syndrome. She examines the blurred lines between sexual liberation and exploitation, all while reflecting on her past choices and their impact on her growth. With humor and candor, she shares her ventures into the world of fashion, feminism, and belonging.
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Cult Recruiting
- Kate Flannery was handed a flyer for a cult at the Glendale Galleria.
- Later, she was scouted for American Apparel with a similarly enthusiastic pitch.
Cult-like Dynamics
- American Apparel's appeal was different; it offered tangible rewards, unlike cults’ future promises.
- It targeted young people seeking purpose and belonging, making them easy to manipulate.
Factory Visit
- Ryan Holiday describes his first visit to the American Apparel factory.
- Factory workers cheered for Dov Charney, demonstrating the real impact he had on their lives.