Canada's two high profile clothing retail bosses Chip Wilson and Dov Charney have had a tough year. Mr. Wilson was squeezed out as chairman of Lululemon, the company he founded, but is now trying to re-take control. Mr. Charney lost his chairman's spot at American Apparel Inc. last week – and will likely be removed as CEO -- after he was alleged to have tried to discredit women who accused him of sexual harassment.
Here's a side-by-side look at the two fashion moguls:
Dov Charney
Childhood home
Montreal
Age
45
Real first name
Dov
School
Tufts University
Their start
Started making t-shirts in 1990; moved manufacturing to Los Angeles in 1997
Company claim to fame
American Apparel’s edgy U.S.-made clothing marketed with sexy ads
The businessman
“I have the highest-paid apparel workers in the world.”
The cowboy
“I am a bit of a dirty guy, but people like that right now.” “I frequently drop my pants to show people my new product.”
Big mistake
In 2009 American Apparel laid off about 1,500 employees after it was revealed their immigration status was questionable.
Legal problems
Had to pay $5-million to settle a suit from Woody Allen after using an image from the film Annie Hall without permission
Company stock performance
in past year
Down 63 per cent
How much they still own
of their companies
27 per cent of American Apparel (APP)
Chip Wilson
Childhood home
Calgary
Age
58
Real first name
Dennis
School
University of Calgary
Their start
Founded Lululemon in 1998; First store opened in Kitsilano, B.C. in 2000
Company claim to fame
Lululemon’s extremely comfortable, fashionable yoga wear.
The businessman
“[Women] don’t want to look like men and wear power suits; they want to dress femininely, even when they’re working out.”
The cowboy
“Quite frankly some women’s bodies just actually don’t work for [Lululemon pants].” “It is really about the rubbing through the thighs; how much pressure is there.”
Big mistake
In 2013 Lululeman recalled a key line of black yoga pants because they were too sheer, causing huge writedowns.
Legal problems
Investors filed multiple class action suits against Lululemon, alleging there were disclosure deficiencies related to the yoga pants recall.
Company stock performance
in past year
Down 32 per cent
How much they still own
of their companies
28 per cent of Lululemon (LULU)