Fast Company’s senior fashion writer Elizabeth Segran explains how the company overcame a problematic history to pull off a renaissance in this rebroadcast of our episode from July. This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Matt Collette, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members Abercrombie & Fitch models in 2005. Photo by David Pomponio/FilmMagic for Paul Wilmot Communications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Summer of 1999, Britney had her first hit, TLC had their millionth, American Pie was in theaters.
Carson Daly was on trl, and the cool kids wore Abercrombie and Fitch.
Abercrombie didn't invent the American Teenager.
Hollywood did that.
You're tearing me apart.
But for a time, it defined what it meant to dress and act like a teenager.
Look at him.
It's like Abercrombie's making people.
But then the brand cratered, done in by the cheap shots it took at women, Asians, West Virginia and male gymnasts, among others.
And a CEO who was recently charged with running a sex trafficking ring.
But quietly, Abercrombie has been mounting an incredible comeback.
You might even find yourself in one this Black Friday.
And you will not be alone.
Coming up on TODAY Explained.
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