The Ethical Sweatshop - American Apparel

Debate arranged by Center for Corporate Values and Responsibility and CPH:DOX.

Political and social activists no longer have to resort to Jesus sandals and baggy sweaters. Recently key figures in the fashion world have proven that social responsibility and commercial success can go hand in hand.

American Apparel is a prime example. As more and more American clothing companies move their factories to low-pay countries, American Apparel has been hugely successful while maintaining responsible production in the US - downtown LA to be precise.

Among the subjects up for debate are: How can other companies learn from American Apparel's experience of combining business and social responsibility? What internal and external interests and investments do such companies have to negotiate? Is the apparently happy marriage of convenience between profit and ethics here to stay, or is it a passing trend?

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