American Apparel in the holy city

June 1, 2009 - 1:19 PM by Jessica

The very trendy American Apparel clothing company has arrived in Jerusalem, which must mean something for our very unhip city. The Los Angeles-based company had actually set up shop on Rivlin Street in Nachalat Shiva several months back (after opening a couple of years ago on Dizengoff in Tel Aviv), but they’ve now emerged with an ad campaign that is even being placed in the extremely untrendy In Jerusalem section of the Post.

Just to familiarize readers with American Apparel: Listed on the AMEX exchange, AA is the largest clothing manufacturer in the U.S., a vertically-integrated clothing manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer that also performs its own design, advertising, and marketing, and calls itself “sweatshop free” for its number of progressive policies including promoting immigrant rights and labor policies. It was founded and is owned by Dov Charney, who’s originally from Canada, is Jewish, and is the nephew of renowned architect Moshe Safdie.

american-apparel-ad-featuring-woody-allen-courtesy-of-curbedThis is the company that was sued by funnyman Woody Allen last year for using an image parodying him as a rabbi in their ad campaign. Allen has agreed to a $5 million settlement; American Apparel thinks the amount is “outrageous.”

But back to Jerusalem. According to Daily Update, the American Apparel blog, “AA Jerusalem is cool too,” writes Lindsay.

People who know, know that in many ways Jerusalem is far more twisted and fun than Tel Aviv. Many visiting AA staff were in fact astonished at just how cool and fun Jerusalem actually is and many plans to spend the day in Jerusalem and then quickly return to Tel Aviv at night were dashed as a result.

This reality is reflected in the staff at the AA store in Jerusalem’s trendy Nachalat Shiva neighborhood. For instance, there’s Zohar Shafir aka Nico teen, AA salesperson by day, electro-tinged pop songstress by night. Her latest 7 song EP, Two Trick Pony “puts emphasis on highly catchy tunes and strong vocals and vocal harmonies, using home recording methods with toy synthesizers.”

I myself haven’t spent much time in the Jerusalem AA, seeing as a double stroller wasn’t easily maneuvered through the store. Then again, I’m not sure that’s a problem for these young hipster dipsters.

Tags: , , , , , , • Category: Business, General, design 

Comments

4 Comments on American Apparel in the holy city

  1. Jewlicious » How much is Woody Allen’s face worth? on Tue, Jun 2nd 2009 1:43 AM

    2. [...] to Jessica at Israel 21c for finally noticing that Jerusalem has an American Apparel! Here’s a tip though. Next time you visit the store, [...]

  2. Jessica on Tue, Jun 2nd 2009 7:29 AM

    3. was actually referring to the ad campaign, but thanks.

  3. michael france on Tue, Jun 2nd 2009 6:33 PM

    4. Hi everyone.GOD bless you all! enjoy your newsletters very much.keep up the good work.(or I should say GREAT work).Just want to say HI to you all and wow you blow me away.mike

  4. Israelite on Sun, Jun 7th 2009 7:54 PM

    5. Hmm, I wonder why they haven’t gone with this ad campaign all over town: http://www.tressugar.com/3092953

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