Wrath Arcane Apparel Interview

Wrath Arcane Frank151.com Blog Interview: March 2010
Interview: Nathan Peracciny
 
There are two types of people—those that get it and those that will get it eventually. The reason for this is perspective and positioning. It's like this, stand two inches in front of any image or object.  The amount of information you have to work with is going to be limited. Nine times out of ten you're going to miss something. Now try taking a few steps back. I guarantee things will begin to look different. Perspective and positioning are key with creativity and concept development.
 
A few years ago I came across the website for Cleveland, OH-based brand Wrath Arcane. Their product really grabbed my attention. Their cuts have a strong design purpose. Each piece has just the right amount of added detail to really resonate. I was intrigued to find out they were not from one of the bigger markets.
 
This winter I had a chance to talk with Sean Bilovecky of Wrath Arcane about the brand and the inspiration that thier location has provided for them.
 
Can you give me a brief history on how Wrath Arcane came about?
 
WRATH ARCANE started in January of 2006.  Brian called me and asked me if I would work on a private label for his store (www.clothingbrigade.com) in Cleveland.  From there we just grew from one season, to the next, to where we are now.  Cleveland is a perfect example of what can happen to a region when you remove its ability to produce “things.”  That’s why it’s really important to us to keep all of the production for the brand in the US.  Being from / based here also informs our minimalist approach to designing clothing.

Full interview/way more pictures after the jump.



 
Discuss the various professional and creative backgrounds of the principle figures at Wrath Arcane. What does each person bring to the table?
 
I went to Kent State for fashion design, so I have a technical design background (patterns, fabrics, etc.)  Brian has a business background, and also has a lot of experience buying brands for his stores.  We are the founding members and act as the final filter for everything that is designed for each season.  Dana Hardy started as an assistant designer, with more of a fine arts background.  She has since become the primary designer for our womens line, PROOF.  Brittany is our Director of Sales.  She handles sales, accounts, and a lot of day-to-day that goes into a label.
 
How would you describe the creative environment in Cleveland, OH? In what way has this shaped the direction of the brand?
 
This is a tricky one.  Honestly, I find Cleveland to be starved for creativity.  When I’m in New York, Chicago, Paris, etc., I feel like there are creative people and ideas coming out of the walls.  But at the same time, I’m glad I don’t live in one of those cities.  I think there is a huge danger for a designer to get “tunnel vision” and focus on, or be influenced primarily by, what other “creatives” in their city are doing.  Cleveland allows us to have a much broader idea of what a brand should be.  I don’t really care what parties the kids from a certain area of a certain city are going to.



In larger markets like New York and LA operating costs are high and competition is fierce. What are the strengths of being located outside of those areas?
 
Overhead and the cost of living in Cleveland is extremely cheap compared to NY, LA, etc.  This helps us to maintain a price point that is competitive with larger labels that produce overseas.  I don’t think “ fierce competition” really comes into play until you are at market.  And then everyone is on the same playing field.  At a tradeshow, it doesn’t matter what city you come from, or who your friends are.  The product has to be good.
 
I have always really enjoyed the designs Wrath Arcane has produced. I also really enjoy the brand’s marketing approach.
 
Thanks!  We’ve always tried to be as honest as possible when it comes to branding / marketing.  I get so tired of all the romance, fantasy, and lies that usually go into branding.  Fuck big labels!  Haha.
 


What inspirational sources do you draw from in terms of clothing design and brand marketing?
 
This is one of my favorite things about being based in Cleveland.  Being “cut off” from all the hype, “tunnel vision”, etc…  we are able to focus internally and each season push what WRATH ARCANE is.  We do all of our own patterns, so we have the freedom to make anything we want.  So we focus on pushing ourselves, and the brand every season.
 
What can we expect for the upcoming Spring / Summer 2010 line?
 
SPRING/SUMMER 10 is going to have two major themes.  First, the wovens are going to use a lot of contrast fabrics.  We started playing with the “history” of a woven shirt.  Deconstructing that history, and in a way, beginning a new one.  Then there are the knits.  We’re continuing to develop our knits into silhouettes that are new, and yet unmistakably WRATH ARCANE.  Also we’re stoked on our hats!
 
Wrath Arcane is available: http://wratharcane.com/showrooms.html
Photos By: Paul Sobota www.paulsobota.com