The Fall of American Apparel: Why a Founder’s Genius Is Not Enough / Media / By dovbaron The iconic brand American Apparel is no longer American. Canadian firm Gildan Activewear recently purchased the name and some manufacturing equipment for $88 million but declined to buy the brand’s stores and manufacturing in the United States. It marks an ignoble ending to what was once a leading fashion staple. And another level in the fall from grace for its founder Dov Charney.