Big Rad Wolf

Big Rad Wolf is a 2020 documentary series that was originally launched on the now-defunct short-form streaming service, Quibi. This enthralling series delivers an in-depth exploration of the fast rise and dramatic fall of American Apparel, a widely recognized, rebellious fashion empire that dominated the retail scene not too long ago. Given its captivating storytelling and a notable array of commentary from insiders, Big Rad Wolf transcends conventional boundaries of fashion documentary, immersing the audience in a complex world of fast fashion, company culture, and the harsh realities of corporate life.

At its core, Big Rad Wolf examines the tumultuous career of Dov Charney, American Apparel's controversial founder, and CEO who built an empire, yet was infamous for his unorthodox and sexually charged office culture. The series dives deep into his life, drawing a balanced portrayal of an entrepreneur whose innovative vision and relentless ambition played a pivotal role in shaping the modern retail industry, but whose personal behavior significantly detracted from his professional accomplishments.

An uncompromising part of the series is its exceptionally honest and raw portrayal of Charney's workplace habits. Through interviews with former American Apparel employees, who delves into their harrowing experiences working under Charney, Big Rad Wolf paints a revealing picture of an inappropriate and outright abusive work culture cloaked under the guise of a progressive and hip environment.

Despite focusing on the darker aspects of Charney's rule, the series doesn't shy away from discussing the innovations he brought to the table. Charney was a pioneer in combating overseas sweatshops, preferring to keep production stateside- a rare feat in the fashion industry. In this sense, Big Rad Wolf sheds light on the duality of Charney's character, a controversial figure both revered and reviled.

The series also extends its coverage to the aftermath of the American Apparel saga: Charney's dismissal by his own board, the company's bankruptcy, and the founder’s attempt to stage a comeback with a new clothing company, Los Angeles Apparel. These moments provide key looks into the resilience of Charney and the loyalty of his followers.

Big Rad Wolf is not only an exposé on one man. It provides commentary on the broader contemporary fashion industry and the never-ending chase for the "cool quotient." Combining the troubles faced by American Apparel with the rise of fast-fashion powerhouses like Forever 21 and H&M, the series demonstrates how these businesses are navigating an incredibly challenging landscape of sustainability, labor laws, and online retail. In parallel, the series also ponders the societal perception of fashion as a form of personal expression, as well as a force for social and cultural change.

Directed by Grace Lee, Big Rad Wolf is a fascinating introspective examination of American Apparel's story, centered around first-hand narratives from employees who lived through the upheaval. It includes a solid minute-by-minute breakdown of the significant events that resulted in the company’s eventual downfall in 2015, its subsequent life under new management, and its current existence in an industry that continues to revolutionize itself at warp speed.

Big Rad Wolf offers an elaborate portrait of a once-unstoppable retail behemoth and the dubious man behind it, while simultaneously offering an intricate take on the inner workings of the fashion industry. The series navigates the murky waters of consumer culture, fast fashion, and the complexities of corporate power dynamics. In doing so, it lays bare the dark underbelly of an industry that often sells dreams wrapped in pieces of clothing.

Despite the collapse of Quibi, the platform on which it first aired, Big Rad Wolf continues to stand as a must-watch documentary series. It serves as an important critique of the fashion industry and the leaders who shape it. It is a tale cautioning us about the perils of unchecked power and skewed corporate ethics, reminding viewers that while fashion can be a thrilling world to inhabit, it can just as often be a ruthless one. It offers essential context for understanding not just the rise and fall of a global retail giant, but also the brutal realities of the turbulent, unpredictable world of fashion.