Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Rouse.
Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The first time I ever used a sewing machine was on a Girl Scout field trip as a middle schooler growing up in Wheeling, WV. I was gifted a sewing machine that year for Christmas, and the rest is history. That field trip was influential in sparking my passion for sewing and fashion because without it, I never would have known it was a skill I would enjoy and could turn into a career. I was born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia right around the corner from where my studio resides. I went on to obtain my BFA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management from Virginia Commonwealth University and while studying and living in Richmond, Virginia, I had the opportunity to explore both screen and stage in the costume departments of PBS’s MERCY STREET and Firehouse Theatre.
Right before moving to New York City, I began my role as Wardrobe Supervisor for the new show LIGHTS, CAMERA, LOCATION!, enjoying the opportunities to film in Los Angeles, Chicago, and throughout Europe. Once in NYC, I immersed myself in every aspect of the fashion industry, gaining experience in wholesale, retail, design, distribution, manufacturing, and contracting and created my womenswear brand, House of Rouse, LLC. In July 2020, I was ready to produce my collection, and the factories in NYC had been shut down. The opportunity presented itself to be able to open Edgington Studio to help manufacture collections for other emerging designers as well. I am now excited to bring my experiences back home to Wheeling to build this industry locally and create opportunities for future professionals in fashion and manufacturing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think it’s ever a smooth road? My first business was founded just a few months before everything shut down from COVID. Then ever since I co-founded Edgington Studio, pretty much all we have known is operating in a pandemic – shipping delays, limited contact, financial concerns. It has all been a really great lesson in adapting though. I knew when I started my clothing line that I would eventually want a studio for in-house production as well. Even though it was a goal further down the line, returning home to WV in March 2020 brought the opportunity to start it, so it seemed like the right time to go for it! I think starting off in such challenging times has made me much better equipped to handle the “normal” times.
We’ve been impressed with House of Rouse and Edgington Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
House of Rouse creates concise collections of practical and transitional contemporary womenswear made in the USA, with a focus on prints designed in-house. The next collection will be presented on the Pittsburgh Fashion Week runway in September 2023! I’m very excited to be in the show for a second time and to also have the GLAM Night Out Runway Show scheduled for October at The Resort at Glade Springs, WV. I appreciate being included in these events and being able to show my work further across the region this year.
Edgington Studio is a full-service cut-and-sew apparel manufacturer named after its location on Edgington Lane in Wheeling, West Virginia. We help emerging fashion designers across the United States with collection development and small production runs. We have no minimums and produce up to fifty units of a piece in a run, which helps new designers cut down on waste and trial/adjust pieces as they test their markets for the first time. We also make custom one-of-a-kind garments, do alterations, and teach classes for those local to Wheeling. We opened in July of 2020 after recognizing the need for American-made products at a time when international supply lines were not always reliable. Edgington Studio strives to close the gap for American manufacturing of cut-and-sew apparel with small batch production through the use of local talent sourcing and partnerships while inspiring the next generation of garment professionals.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I think that would be the first time I used a sewing machine on the Girl Scout field trip! I went with my mom to an embroidery shop and loved that we used this tool to create something. I sewed a little felt purse with Pikachu on it (actually, I think my mom did most of the work that day!), but I was so inspired. It was just so cool to have a finished product at the end that we had made. I still have the purse too.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.houseofrouse.co
- Instagram: @house.of.rouse
- Facebook: @houseofrousellc
- Other: www.edgingtonstudio.com; edgingtonstudio@gmail.com; @edgingtonstudio
Image Credits
Photographer – Dillon Richardson/Wheeling Heritage
