Terry Hauss Passes

Fashion and brand licensing veteran Terry Hauss, chief executive officer of apparel firm Von Dutch, passed away on July 17. He was 60.

The well-known Hauss worked in the licensing industry for more than 30 years for various companies including Warner Bros., Sony Consumer Products, Extreme Group, Iconix and the Licensing Management Group.

Hauss joined Von Dutch in 2011 to re-invent the iconic brand, transitioning it from a celebrity-supported label of tees and trucker hats in the early 2000s and returning the brand to its roots by focusing on creator Kenneth Howard (the artist who adopted the name Von Dutch). The Von Dutch brand is owned by Royer Brands International.

Under Hauss’ leadership, the new Von Dutch line of outerwear, accessories and denim is distributed through most of Europe, Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, Italy, the Philippines, South America and Mexico. Hauss was also spearheading the re-launch of the brand in the U.S.

A world traveler, Hauss studied at the Academy of Higher Learning Division in Toshima, Tokyo. He moved from Thailand to Los Angeles to work with Von Dutch and re-brand the clothing label. 

He is survived by his father, Dalton (Judy) Hauss; brothers: Ron (Randie) Hauss, Bruce (Michele) Hauss and Gary (Linda) Hauss; step-brothers: Henry (Pamela) Sprafkin and Thomas (Melissa) Sprafkin; eight nephews; five nieces and one great-niece. Terry was pre-deceased by his mother, Shirley Hauss. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 21 at 3 p.m. in the Eternal Light Chapel at Groman Eden Mortuary, Mission Hills, Calif.