Latest news with #AmericanApparel
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel OTT Release Date - When & where to watch docu on 2000s fashion scene
Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel OTT Release Date - Hold on to your seats, fashion watchers and true-story junkies, one of the most shocking stories in American fashion history is getting the Netflix treatment. Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel, a thrilling new documentary directed by Sally Rose Griffiths, is set to drop on Netflix on July 1, 2025, and it's going to make you look at your old American Apparel hoodie very differently. A bright brand hiding a dark truth Back in the early 2000s, American Apparel was everywhere with bold ads, bright basics, and that air of cool rebellion. It was a movement. Young people wanted to work there, shop there, be there. And at the centre of it all? Dov Charney, the brand's loud, charismatic, and often controversial founder. But what looked like a dream turned into a nightmare. This documentary pulls back the curtain on what really happened behind the scenes from the colourful chaos of the office floors to the dark allegations that would eventually bring it all crashing down. Charney's empire, built on sweatshop-free pride and edgy marketing, started to rot from within. Toxic culture or cult? Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel is a human story of young employees swept up in a whirlwind, thinking they were part of something big, only to realise they were part of something dangerous. The film gives voice to former staffers who once believed in the mission but found themselves caught in a toxic environment, with their professional dreams slowly unravelling. Produced by RAW and BBH, Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel's executive producers team includes Sheun Adelasoye De Nicola, Alexander Marengo, Tim Wardle (Raw); Casey Feldman, Erica Roberts, William Swann (BBH). Charney, who denies all allegations, has never been found guilty of any crimes, with lawsuits against him either settled or resolved behind closed doors.
Reuters
13-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Sustainability is no longer in fashion, but the apparel industry's future depends on it
May 12 - For U.S. apparel retailers, these are difficult times. Economic uncertainty has led to plunging consumer sentiment — the second-lowest on record . At the same time brands are fighting an uphill battle on costs as they consider how on-and-off tariffs for manufacturing leaders may raise apparel prices up by 58%. But amid talk of cutting costs, changing sourcing locations and scaling up investments in the U.S., there's a critical solution that risks being overlooked: investing more in sustainability, not less. In fact, our research suggests that capital expenditure on renewable energy and energy efficiency may be the most practical path forward in keeping goods affordable and retaining customers. This business case only strengthens as brands leverage hubs like India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam to lessen tariff impacts from manufacturing in China, the biggest source of American apparel imports. While 37% of American apparel imports came from China last year, this is set to change, especially given the end of the duty-free fashion for imports under $800 in early May. Currently, strained infrastructure, fragmented grids, and logistics bottlenecks leave power costs high in other manufacturing hubs. Despite dropping global energy prices, industrial energy costs are steeply rising. In these burgeoning supplier countries, power can consume up to 20% of a supplier's operating cost, directly impacting brand bottom lines and consumer price tags. The Bangladesh Energy Commission, for example, recently announced a 33% increase in gas prices for new industrial consumers, while India has cut domestic gas supplies and raised the price of locally produced gas. This matters for the fashion industry, which is characterized by energy-intensive processes, like spinning, weaving, and wet-dyeing and thus highly sensitive to the cost of energy. Compare this to China, which by integrating solar energy into manufacturing facilities, boosting energy efficiency, and building a robust, connected energy infrastructure, has enabled manufacturers to price goods at levels once unthinkable. On average, China can produce a megawatt-hour of electricity at 11-64% lower than other markets. With high tariffs now driving brands to source more outside of China, brands may have to do more to help their suppliers invest in renewables and energy efficiency. This can offer a clear return on investment for both brands and suppliers, and enables better conditions for workers. Take, for example, Bangladesh: In this developing hub, green has gained traction by both suppliers, for competitive advantage, and brands, for cost savings. Supplier investment in solar panels at a factory in Bangladesh cut energy costs in half, improved working conditions, and positioned the supplier "for the next level of competitiveness." Brands H&M Group and Bestseller are helping Bangladesh build its first offshore wind farm, scaling renewables on the ground and ultimately lowering operating costs. Let us be clear: this isn't about a race to the bottom. Here, what is good for business is also good for the planet. Energy-efficient operations and renewable energy don't just reduce emissions, they lower long-term costs and strengthen supplier competitiveness. Regardless of what comes next — another pause, a new levy, or the cancellation of tariffs altogether — consumers aren't in the mood to spend more. Brands and retailers that want to weather this period of global economic uncertainty should focus on delivering affordable products, by all means. The same goes for countries that look to fill a new manufacturing vacuum and develop a competitive advantage. While sustainability may no longer be in vogue, it may be the most practical path to keeping prices low.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem OTT Release Date - When and where to watch documentary on Rob Ford's election gig
Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem OTT Release Date - Get ready, because Netflix is about to bring you a political mess so unbelievable, you'd think it was fiction. But nope, every bit of it is real. Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem will be dropping on Netflix starting June 17, 2025. It tells the wild, spiralling downfall of Toronto's former mayor, Rob Ford - a man who shocked the world with his win... and then shocked it even more with his scandals. So… what's the chaos all about? In 2010, a blunt, loud, no-filter city councillor, Rob Ford, decided to run for mayor of Toronto. People laughed. The media wrote him off. Even his rivals didn't take him seriously. But guess what? He won. And that's where the real madness began. Overnight, Toronto had a mayor who didn't play by the rules. But behind the scenes? There were whispers... then videos... and finally, full-blown headlines across the world: "Toronto Mayor Caught on Video Smoking Crack Cocaine." "Drunken Rants, Foul-Mouthed Tirades, Public Outbursts!" Rob Ford's time in office was one long trainwreck, and this documentary shows it all, raw and unfiltered. From a joke candidate to a mayor gone rogue, it's a jaw-dropping ride into how one man's fall turned into a global scandal. More about the return of Trainwreck This summer, the Trainwreck series is back to take a closer look at some of the wildest, weirdest, and most shocking events that once dominated the news. Told by the people who actually lived through them, Trainwreck dives into everything from failed music festivals and political scandals to bizarre companies and reality TV disasters. Starting June 10, new episodes will roll out weekly, covering eight new real-life disasters, including the Astroworld concert tragedy and the strange rise of American Apparel.
Time Business News
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Trump's Policies Prompt Wealthy Americans and Professionals to Flee the U.S.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – A growing number of American citizens are making the life-altering decision to leave the United States in response to renewed political instability, economic nationalism, and the reemergence of controversial policies under President Donald J. Trump's returning administration. According to global mobility experts at Amicus International Consulting, the firm has seen a sharp increase in inquiries and applications for second citizenships and legal identity transitions in the first quarter of 2025 alone. From Silicon Valley tech professionals to former military contractors, U.S. citizens are looking abroad for personal freedom, financial security, and legal safety as Trump's second presidency begins to take shape. Central to this wave of exits are concerns over immigration policy rollbacks, escalating trade wars, press restrictions, and the return of harsh financial surveillance measures that disproportionately affect high-net-worth individuals and dual nationals. Why Are Americans Leaving? 'Americans are not just reacting emotionally—they're planning strategically,' said a spokesperson from Amicus International Consulting. 'Many of our clients are successful professionals, business owners, and even public servants who no longer see the U.S. as a safe or stable place for their families or finances.' Amicus, a firm specializing in second passports, offshore relocation, and complete legal identity transformation, reports that inquiries have tripled since the November 2024 election. Clients cite growing authoritarianism, racial polarization, civil unrest, and looming tax reforms as key motivators behind their desire to exit. Trump's Policies Fueling Global Flight 1. Economic Nationalism and Tariffs The Trump administration has revived its aggressive tariff strategy, slapping 60% duties on Chinese goods and threatening similar measures on imports from Europe and Latin America. These trade wars have roamed U.S. markets, causing currency instability and increased inflation. For American entrepreneurs and investors, especially those with international operations, the threat of retaliatory tariffs and financial restrictions prompts urgent relocation planning. Case Study: American Apparel CEO Moves to Portugal A New York-based clothing manufacturer with operations in Vietnam and Bangladesh relocated to Portugal under the Golden Visa program. Fearing sanctions and reduced export flexibility, she restructured her corporate holdings under a Portuguese entity while acquiring EU residency for her family. 'Under Trump, I felt like I had to choose between growth and loyalty,' she told Amicus. 'Now I have both—just not in the United States.' 2. Erosion of Civil Liberties Trump's administration has doubled down on surveillance, border controls, and new domestic security powers. Critics, including many former allies, warn that these measures erode core American freedoms such as the right to protest, press access, and digital privacy. Amicus International reports that journalists, NGO workers, and dual nationals with Middle Eastern, Asian, or Latin American ties are among the top demographics pursuing citizenship elsewhere to avoid potential targeting or travel bans. 3. Tax Reform Fears and Capital Control Many high-net-worth Americans believe Trump's promised 'patriot tax' and enhanced IRS auditing will result in new exit taxes and wealth disclosure mandates. This creates uncertainty and urgency for Americans with offshore holdings, foreign real estate, or digital assets. Case Study: Tech Executive Transfers Assets to Dubai A California-based AI developer began restructuring his portfolio in early 2025 after Trump's team proposed taxing unrealized crypto gains. By relocating to Dubai, where capital gains tax is zero, and securing residency through the UAE Investor Visa, he preserved his holdings and privacy. 'The U.S. government shouldn't treat its citizens like ATMS,' he said. 'I needed a jurisdiction that respected financial independence.' 4. Abortion, LGBTQ+, and Minority Rights Rollbacks Many Americans, particularly women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of colour, have cited fears of legal regression and social hostility under Trump's policy direction. The repeal of abortion protections, state-level anti-trans legislation, and public statements targeting ethnic communities have created a sense of cultural siege for vulnerable populations. Amicus has seen a surge in applicants from these demographics, with Canada, Spain, and Uruguay ranking among the top destinations for personal freedom and inclusive civil rights. Case Study: Florida LGBTQ+ Couple Relocates to Spain After anti-LGBTQ+ legislation was passed in their home state, a married couple secured Spanish residency through the Non-Lucrative Visa Program, eventually applying for complete naturalization. With support from Amicus, they transferred assets, sold their property, and now operate a remote wellness coaching firm out of Barcelona. 'We felt like fugitives in our own country,' they said. 'Spain gave us back our dignity.' America's Loss, the World's Gain The exit wave is being felt in capital flows. According to private banking sources cited by Amicus, an estimated $47 billion in private U.S. wealth has been reallocated offshore in the first four months of 2025. This capital has flowed into Caribbean nations, European investment programs, and real estate in politically neutral regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East. From 2022 to 2024, over 30,000 Americans renounced their citizenship, a figure expected to double in 2025 if current trends continue. And this only accounts for official renunciations; many more quietly shift legal residencies, reallocate passports, or re-domicile assets while remaining dual nationals. Amicus Offers Legal, Ethical Pathways to Exit Amicus International Consulting offers various services tailored to Americans looking to legally and discreetly transition into global citizenship. These services include: Second Passport Acquisition through Caribbean and EU Citizenship-by-Investment Programs through Caribbean and EU Citizenship-by-Investment Programs Legal Name Changes and Identity Rebuilding and Identity Rebuilding Relocation and Residency Setup in low-tax or high-freedom jurisdictions in low-tax or high-freedom jurisdictions Offshore Asset Structuring and Banking Compliance and Banking Compliance Emergency Exit Planning for vulnerable or politically targeted individuals A New Beginning: Building a Global Identity According to Amicus, second citizenship is not an escape—it's a strategic rebirth. For clients whose values or financial goals no longer align with U.S. policies, this transition offers a legal, safe, and empowering alternative to staying locked within an unpredictable system. 'Leaving America doesn't mean abandoning it,' said the Amicus spokesperson. 'It means reclaiming your autonomy. We don't sell fantasies—we offer frameworks for freedom.' Additional Case Study: Military Veteran Seeks Peace Abroad Case Study: Former Defence Contractor Finds Freedom in Costa Rica A 68-year-old Vietnam veteran had spent four decades in U.S. defence contracting. But after the 2024 election, he feared that increasing militarism and curtailment of veterans' healthcare benefits would make his retirement insecure. With help from Amicus, he applied for residency in Costa Rica, transferred his savings into a private trust, and began living in a rural eco-village near San Ramón. He now lives without property tax, in a peaceful country that abolished its military. 'I gave my life to the American dream. But I found peace outside its borders,' he said. What the Future Holds As Trump intensifies his trade, civil liberties, and taxation policies, Amicus predicts that second citizenship will become a mainstream consideration among professionals, not just for the ultra-wealthy. 'You don't need to be a billionaire to seek freedom,' said the Amicus representative. 'With $100,000 and a strategic plan, anyone can secure a legal second identity and begin a new chapter abroad.' Conclusion: A Nation in Flux, a World of Opportunity For many, the United States is no longer the land of opportunity—it's a nation in flux, deeply divided and increasingly uncertain. Under President Trump's second term, economic and civil instability are prompting Americans from all walks of life to consider their global options. Second citizenship is not treason—it's self-preservation, liberation for some, and some liberation. Whether they're seeking financial stability, safety from political persecution, or simply the freedom to build a life aligned with their values, more Americans than ever before are choosing to step away, not out of hate for their homeland but out of love for their future. 📞 Contact InformationPhone: +1 (604) 200-5402Email: info@ Website:
Perth Now
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
The Weeknd enjoyed 'luxury' of anonymity
The Weeknd's former colleagues had no idea he was a successful musician when they worked together. The 'Blinding Lights' hitmaker - whose real name is Abel Tesfaye - released his first songs anonymously and seeing the reactions from people who didn't know it was his work gave him the "validation" he needed to dedicate himself to his music career. Speaking to Jenna Ortega in conversation for V magazine, he said: "I've been recording since I was about 14 or 15, but I didn't really blow up until my early 20s. "But even then, you know, inspired by Daft Punk, I wanted the music to speak for itself, right? When I put music out, nobody knew what I looked like. I was just getting off the street, not quite homeless anymore. "I had a day job at American Apparel, and people at my job were playing my music. I had put it out. So, people were playing my music and had no idea that I was standing and working right beside them. So that to me was the validation I needed to quit my job and focus on this 110%." The 35-year-old musician is grateful he had the "luxury" of adjusting to success while remaining anonymous for some time. He told Jenna: "Our experiences are a little different. When I was your age, I was able to hold on to being anonymous a little longer. "My fans didn't really know what I looked like until maybe three projects in. "So I was very calculated because I didn't want to get thrown in, and I wanted to experience life behind the camera. It was a luxury I was able to kind of carve out for myself. "But you're able to handle it with so much grace. I mean, the only advice I can really give you is to stay close to the people who knew you before all this." The pair star together in 'Hurry Up Tomorrow', which is directed by Trey Edward Shults and co-written by the filmmaker, Reza Fahim and The Weend himself. And The Weeknd praised Jenna for being "pretty important" in his career and an impressive figure on set. He said: "You're also a producer on the first film that I've ever done, which is kind of cool. So I think you have become a pretty important person in my career. "The film that we worked on is deeply personal to me, but you brought so much insight to it. It's no surprise. You're an incredible actress, but what I discovered on set, and what I love, love, love telling people, is how incredible your instincts are as a storyteller and a filmmaker."
