From prnewswire.com:
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Apparel (NYSE Amex: APP), the vertically integrated clothing manufacturer based in downtown Los Angeles, is announcing the launch of its brand of Made in the USA nail polish. The company, which is well-known for its garments' versatility and use of vibrant colors, felt that American Apparel Nail Lacquer was a natural extension of its current product offerings.
"We think this nail polish captures what American Apparel is all about -- a Made in the USA, high-quality product in a beautiful range of colors. It's a venture of families in manufacturing, from the factory in which the polish is made to the Nail Lacquer logo created by Dov's uncle, the noted graphic designer Israel Charney," said Marsha Brady, a creative director for American Apparel.
Each of the 18 colors in the primary offering evokes an important part of American Apparel. One is the color of raw cotton, while another -- a minty green color called Office -- was matched to the color of an accounting notepad found on the seventh floor of American Apparel's headquarters. Factory Grey is the actual shade used to paint all floors of the company's manufacturing operations, while Hassid - dark black - is a nod to American Apparel's Jewish roots. Even the collection's custom shade of red, "Downtown LA", took the area where the factory is located as its inspiration.
For the initial run of 60,000 bottles, which will be sold exclusively in American Apparel shops worldwide, the creative directors found a true family-operated nail polish manufacturer in New York City with whom they instantly connected. Together they worked to develop a beautiful high-quality polish using the techniques and secrets the family had been using since the early 1970s - symbolized best by the 91-year-old grandmother who still fills the bottles.
"It was important to us that we work with a domestic manufacturer who had a long history in the business. Like our clothing, the palette is intended for year-round use. It's a painterly range of colors designed for long-term appeal and creative interpretation. We put equal focus on making sure the polish and the colors were both durable and beautiful," Brady said.
American Apparel Nail Lacquer is priced at $6 per bottle and is available in a 3-pack for $15. It will be sold at American Apparel stores worldwide as well as online. The nail polish is DBP, toluene and formaldehyde-free. The full color palette, ingredients and photographs can be found in the American Apparel web store.
Yes, $6 a bottle is a little steep, but I LOVE that these polishes are 1) Big Three Free 2) made in the USA 3) AA is working with a family-run nail polish manufacturer who has been using the same family secrets and techniques since the early 70s AND has a 91-year-old grandma who still enjoys hand-filling the bottles herself. Whatever you think of controversial AA founder, Dov Charney, it's rare to see a personal touch with mass-produced products these days, so I commend AA for partnering with a family-run business right here in the US to bring us this collection.
And if that weren't enough, there are currently 18 delicious colors to choose from! Here are a few of my favorites (honestly, I could have posted just about every shade in this collection, but I'll try to narrow it down to my top 10):
Mouse
Office
Dynasty
Mount Royal
Hunter
Manila (I LOVE that this shade was inspired by a manila envelope!)
Peacock
Factory Grey
Passport Blue
Downtown LA
So, what do we think of these colors? Do you already own some of these polishes? If so, please share your thoughts! I'd love to know what you think of the quality of their formula! I personally cannot wait to get my hands on a bottle.
You can purchase American Apparel Nail Polish online and in-store.
I am SO getting some of these! But i think i'll wait and visit a store so that i can see in person. It would be so easy to order them all online. :)
ReplyDeleteI really hope the formula works on. I'm keeping up to date on blogs hoping someone posts something about these very soon.
I'm in love!!! i need Factory Grey and Mouse and Coney Island!!!
ReplyDeleteI am sold on dynasty and Downtown LA! I'm a sucker for pinks and reds :-)
ReplyDeleteAntonea: I am right there with you! I neeeed some of these colors, but I would also love to see them in person. But if you just can't wait and you decide to order some online, I found a coupon code to help you save a little! Enter t338-te56739 to save 10% off your order. I might end up using this one myself. :)
ReplyDeleteElena: I know! I am more and more in love with Mouse every time I look at it. lol. I found a coupon code good for 10% off your order (see my comment above) in case you're planning a haul. xo
princess azure: I love those shades too, honey! If you're going to order online, definitely use the coupon code I posted in the comment above. :)
Great colours but yeah, a little steep to pay. Nice to know it's a worldwide release too. I might check to see my store has it for boxing day sale
ReplyDeletecool! they sort of remind me of urban outfitters polishes.
ReplyDeleteDUDE! I need Mount Royal. And Peacock. And Office. Okay, all of them. Love the bottles! Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteH: I thought you'd be happy about that! lol. When I saw that they had stores in Canada I seriously said to myself, "Halifax is going to be excited about this!" And don't forget that in-store they have 3-packs for $15. I wish they had those online too, but still. :)
ReplyDeleteyummy: How sad is it that I haven't been inside a U.O. in YEARS? I need to get over there and check out their polishes one of these days. :)
femputer: You and me both, honey! I keep waivering on which three I love the most...because IF I order online I will only allow myself to order three. So far, I just can't decide. But I'm leaning toward Mouse, Mount Royal and Hunter. But Office keeps tempting me. See, I can't make up my damn mind! lol.