"FOUNDERS MESSAGE" – GETTING STARTED
My name is Richard McDowall. I'm the Founder and Creative Director at the House of A SLEEPING SAMURAI®. In the "FOUNDERS MESSAGE" posts I want to share my journey and the journey of my brand, right from the very start and throughout my journey to building my fashion House. I thought this is the right time to start writing the posts because I am at the very start of my journey. In these posts, which I will do on a regular basis, I will be very open and honest and it will come from my heart. Hopefully my own story will inspire others to share their journey and experiences, and give me some feedback.
Today, I'm going to share my feelings on why I started the exclusive A SLEEPING SAMURAI® fashion house. As a designer, I just have to create. It's that simple really. Each day when I wake, I feel great when I have something to do that involves design. And it feels like there's not much to live for, or at least get out of bed for, when I don't. I love designing software and I love writing story books, and these things really inspire me. And when I get an idea for a new fashion piece or a new collection, that really lights a fire within me too.
I'm not sure why my fashion designs lean towards streetwear. I guess that's just how I grew up and the fashion that I like. I'm a sneakerhead and I've always been interested in sneaker culture, along with skateboarding and basketball, and the culture and history. If you combine this with my love of hip-hop, I guess it's no surprise my fashion creations are that of streetwear.
When I started my label, my first concept was for a sneaker design. Sneakers that would be amazing for skateboarding and yet beautiful enough to go out in the evening to a favourite restaurant. But I didn't have the budget that would allow me to get my sneaker design samples produced, and so I had to bring my fashion collection into life first. I'm hoping to put my sneaker project into action at some point in the future.
It's designing fashion pieces that is one of my life's true loves. It's beautiful. I'm proud of what I'm building.
Richard McDowall
