I had never thought much of Terry Richardson or Dov Charney, but all the information I’d heard about “them”, until very recently, somehow ended up in the same mental box, as it were. I instinctively thought they were the same person until the so-called “News Media”‘s propaganda machine told me that one is a photographer and one is the head of American Apparel. I remained a believer in this false enlightenment until my eyes were recently re-opened. When I read an article on The Toast by Mallory Ortberg that compared the “two” “men”‘s looks, and saw in the comments that I was not the only person who recognized “them” for the same person that “they” are, I knew I had hit upon a troubling truth. Before I reveal it, let me present the facts.
Exhibit A: “Dual” Coverage
via Styleite
I didn’t generate the above image, someone at another site did. “Both” “men” have receding hairlines, facial hair, awkward smiles, forehead wrinkles, and slightly tan skin. Suspicious indeed, especially when you take into account that there are no photos of them together. Furthermore, their quotes are nigh indistinguishable in terms of their sleaze factor.
Exhibit B: Life Timelines
dates via Wikipedia
The major events in the lives of allegedly “both” “men” occur almost simultaneously. As we all know from the excellent documentary about those who deceive others, Liar Liar, birth years are easily obfuscated or altered by people interested in hiding the truth. Lately, “they” have “both” been allegedly getting their comeuppance, “both” at the same time.
Exhibit C: Interests & Activities
L: Dov Charney. R: Terry Richardson
A thorough examination of “their” interests and activities reveals the only difference between the pseudonyms of this single creep of a man: number of Google hits. It makes sense that the CEO alias would have fewer Google hits than the photographer one.
Exhibit D: “Cross”-Promotion
via American Apparel
The most damning piece of evidence comes to us via American Apparel’s own site, which blatantly showcases Terry Richardson-themed merchandise as well as a magazine featuring a disturbing photograph in which actress Chloë Sevigny is dressed up as the Richardson persona. Note the inclusion of a defensive disclaimer placed there order to avert suspicion:
This product is not made by American Apparel. It is part of our Multibrand collection, a curated selection of items manufactured by other companies we admire. We choose these pieces for their unique and inspiring design as well as for their superior function.
Why so defensive, Americal Apparel? What are you hiding?
The conclusion is obvious: The gross faux-retro 1970′s hipster thing that is the newest iteration of “edgy” is all the fault of a single man who poses as a CEO by day but, by night, has others pose for his camera.