tags: American Apparel, beauty, Beauty Standards, Dress Code, Employees, fashion, Memos, Strict, style
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?
Well, what if the beholder cuts your paychecks?
Aside from sometimes being extremely overpriced (I still shop there anyways), American Apparel is known for its simplistic style and quality–I think they have the softest T-shirts in existence. It seems they also want to be known for the beauty of their employees and have always implemented strict rules for those in the AA crew. In order to get hired, you have to take a photograph which is later analyzed to see if you fit with the direction of the brand. Though recently, leaked memos suggest the strict nature of the company is starting to become…well…ridiculous. Here’s a couple of guidelines:
a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.
b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.
c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:
-Hair must be kept your natural color.
-Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.
-”Bangs” or “fringe” are advised against. It is not part of the direction we’re moving in.
and for the guys:
a) Hair should look natural. Excessive product to the extent of creating stiffness and an unnatural or greasy appearance to your hair is advised against.
b) Eyebrows should be natural. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color or overpluck them.
c) Males should not wear makeup.
d) Facial hair needs to be kept clean and well groomed. Any mustache or goatee of a contemporary style are advised against.
e) No gauges allowed whatsoever.
I understand companies have guidelines, but come on. In fact, when I notice the rules for companies like American Apparel, Hollister, and Abercrombie & Fitch, I get slightly disgusted. Their need to implement a ‘standard of appearance’ when the make up of their customers doesn’t match their ideal is baffling. This suppose to be a land about celebrating individual beauty and style yet they’ve all seem to neglect that. Since I like AA too much to boycott, this post serves as my way of fighting for the cause.
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No wonder it’s so hard to get a job there.
Seriously, it was love at first sight-that moment I saw her in Drumline. Now, she’s doing monstrous movies like Star Trek and the new Avatar film that released today. Below is Zoe at the premiere for the film.
I don’t even want to see the movie, but I just might because of her.
See she’s gorgeous.
Zoe at the Star Trek premiere.
Aaron
