Richard Wheeler: I love EDM, I always have and today it dominates the radio, TV, and dance floors around the world, being the most exciting genre of music around. So I thought, hip hop has an abundance of brands you can wear to show you love hip hop, same for Rock 'n Roll etc, what about EDM? There was not one brand I could wear to share that I loved EDM, none to support EDM, that was more than enough inspiration for me. I've been a fashion designer all my life, this has proved to be the perfect combination of these two passions that came together at a perfect time.
AS: Earlier in the year, you attended Magic Trade Show in Las Vegas, which marked the announcement of the HOUS clothing expansion, and includes new designs and new clothing items. How do you creatively decide which new graphics will work better than others?
RW: It's about sorting through the hundreds of designs and concepts that I have produced and asking myself which ones truly symbolize the message of EDM, then deciding if it's a design someone would love to wear aesthetically.
AS: With a brand still under a year old, you have managed to captivate the attention of internationally known DJs such as Erick Morillo, Sander van Doorn, Fedde Le Grand, only naming a few. Did you ever expect the popularity of HOUS to take off the way it has?
RW: I've always suffered delusions of grandeur in everything I do! Lofty goals keep you driving forward, but in this case the speed and traction of the brand has even surpassed my expectations. I'm thrilled, and this only goes to prove that this was a void that needed to be filled. I was pretty sure I couldn't be the only person who would like to wear clothes that mirror my passion for the music.
AS: Being a new brand on the scene, HOUS sponsored meet and greet with EDM aficionados Above & Beyond alongside MTV for fans during Miami Music Week. The winners received HOUS gear, and custom made shirts were provided to the Shelborne & Dream Hotels' staff. How important are partnerships for the brand at this stage of the business? Will we be seeing any new partnerships in the near future for HOUS?
RW: It's fundamental to stay in the heart of the music scene, that's what this brand is about. We are constantly looking for the right partnerships. I'm excited to announce that we are partnering on a range of styles for Hot Topic, who have been a leader in supporting EDM. We will be joining the likes of Deadmau5 as from the end of May.
AS: With the ever-growing popularity of the EDM genre, how do you think that the fashion revolving around the music will evolve over time?
RW: I'm sure we will see a lot more fashion for the music over the next couple of years, it's only natural that it will grow larger and larger from here. Walking off the beaten track is never easy, but very rewarding as we grow, I'm sure many more brands will follow.
AS: What else will you do to help bring the brand to the next level while moving toward the 1 year anniversary this coming Fall?
RW: We are looking to grow our range of products, jeans are just one thing. Additionally greater distribution to make our product more available for those who love the music as I do. Oh, and a huge party to celebrate the 1-year anniversary… What do you think? We should do this! Watch this space…
To learn more about Richard Wheeler's popular EDM clothing line, check out http://www.hous247.com/
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