Two highly established international brands, Champion and Defected unite in a shared belief of empowering people to express their authentic selves and create impact through culture.
Together, both brands celebrate self-expression as a force for progress by supporting creators, amplifying diverse voices and fostering communities. Whether through fashion or music, Champion and Defected drive culture that moves people forward, turning individual passion into collective impact.
The collaboration begins with the release of an exclusive range, including t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies plus a limited-edition collaborative DJ record trolley in partnership with UDG. All items will be available on Champion and Defected’s online stores from Monday 6th July 2026.
After the merchandise becomes available online, a launch party is set for Thursday 16th July at the Champion store in Soho, London.
The range ties Champion’s House of Champions campaign with Defected’s commitment to spotlighting the next generation of house music champions. Five champions of the scene have been selected, with an aim to recognise budding talent and celebrate the creatives that form the backbone of the community. Five house champions. One house community.
Curators and creators Millie & Phoebe, founders of In The Loop – a community-led channel bringing together like-minded house heads and artists to celebrate all that they love about the scene. Ellie Scougall is a DJ, producer and label boss hailing from Newcastle who is actively championing the rising house sounds of today by pushing for women and more diverse voices in electronic music. Mr James is a music producer and selector specialising in sound healing and the expansive sounds of reggae, soca, soul, house and disco.
Andrew is a dancer, DJ, club aficionado and nightlife expert who founded A Hard Day’s Dance, an events brand and online community uniting people with the dancefloor, and Maria Hanlon is a radio presenter, broadcaster and the host of The Voices Breakfast Show on Voices, one of the UK’s fastest growing radio stations.
Talented, creative and passionate music lovers like the Champions above, and wider individuals and groups who do it for the love, are integral to the house community; Defected and Champion will recognise these grassroots pioneers with to-camera content and social media spotlights to align with the merchandise.
Champion provides a canvas for individuals to live their true purpose, championing creativity, community, and positive change. Similarly, Defected has built its legacy on bringing people together through the unifying power of music, creating an inclusive platform for artists, creators, and communities to connect, inspire, and belong.
A launch event will follow on Thursday 16th July at the Champion store in Soho, London.