Gallery Dept.: Where art and streetwear converge

Gallery Dept.
Gallery Dept. is a unisex clothing brand based in Los Angeles, founded by artist & designer, Josué Thomas. Launched with the vision of merging art with fashion, the brand is known for its unique aesthetic that blends vintage inspiration with modern design elements.

Gallery Dept. focuses on high-quality materials and craftsmanship, often featuring bold graphics, distinctive detailing, and an artistic approach to everyday clothing. The brand has garnered a loyal following, celebrated for its ability to push the boundaries of traditional fashion, while embracing themes of individuality and self-expression. With a commitment to creativity and authenticity, Gallery Dept. continues to make a significant impact on the streetwear scene, appealing to fashion enthusiasts and creatives alike.

 Gallery Dept. pieces in-store (Maggie Shannon. (2020, october 13). New York Times. Received on september 12, 2024, van https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/style/mens-fashiion-is-it-streetwear-or-is-it-art.html

 

Josué Thomas
Thomas' journey in the fashion industry began with a passion for self-expression and an appreciation for the arts. Having grown up in a culturally rich environment, he was influenced by various artistic movements and styles.

Josué Thomas with Miami Dolphins' players ( World Red Eye. (2024, january 10). Imagen Miami. Received on september 12, 2024, van https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/style/mens-fashiion-is-it-streetwear-or-is-it-art.html

 

Thomas sought to establish a brand that offered thoughtfully designed garments with a focus on individuality and personal storytelling. Gallery Dept. emerged as a platform to explore themes of nostalgia, culture, and creativity, allowing customers to express themselves through unique and artistic apparel.

Thomas' commitment to pushing boundaries in design has led to Gallery Dept. becoming a prominent name in the streetwear scene. The brand's focus on high-quality materials, distinctive graphics, and a modern interpretation of classic styles resonates with a diverse audience, making it a significant player in contemporary fashion.

“I liked my parent’s clothing growing up,” Mr. Thomas said. “As a teenager, I was able to fit into my dad’s leather jacket. The beat-up patina on it was perfect, and I realized that that was personal style. It was something you couldn’t go to a store and buy.”

Designs
Gallery Dept. is known for its avant-garde style, characterized by deconstructed silhouettes, bold graphics, and vibrant colors. The designs often incorporate elements of vintage fabrics and patterns, giving a nostalgic yet contemporary feel to each piece. The brand's collections frequently showcase artistic motifs and thought-provoking visuals, reflecting the influence of street art and cultural commentary.

Additionally, the use of high-quality materials combined with meticulous craftsmanship ensures that each item is not only fashionable, but also durable. The aesthetic is both casual and refined, allowing for versatility in styling, whether worn on the streets or at more upscale events.

 Josué Thomas covered in Gallery Dept. pieces (Maggie Shannon. (2020, october 13). New York Times. Received on september 12, 2024, van https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/style/mens-fashiion-is-it-streetwear-or-is-it-art.html

 

Philosophy
At the heart of Gallery Dept.'s philosophy is the commitment to authenticity and creativity. The brand aims to break away from conventional fashion norms by encouraging customers to wear clothing that tells a story and resonates with their personal experiences. This is achieved by creating pieces that celebrate imperfections, individuality, and the process of wear and tear, which can be seen in their distressing techniques and finishes.

Gallery Dept. also focuses on inclusivity in its designs, appealing to diverse audiences regardless of age, gender, or background. They strive to create a sense of community among wearers by emphasizing that their clothing is an extension of one’s personality and lifestyle.

Collections
Gallery Dept. offers a diverse range of collections that reflect its unique design philosophy and artistic approach to streetwear. Key collections include:

1. Apparel: Featuring bold graphic t-shirts, distinctive sweatshirts, and stylish pants and shorts, often with deconstructed designs and vintage-inspired elements.

2. Outerwear: Including chore jackets and bombers that emphasize functional details and unique fabric combinations.

3. Special Editions and Collaborations: Limited releases created in partnership with other brands and artists, showcasing creativity and expanding the brand’s reach.

4. Accessories: A selection of hats, bags, and other items that complement the apparel, typically featuring the brand's signature logo and artistic designs.

5. Seasonal Collections: Rotating selections that respond to current trends and themes while embodying the brand's identity.

6. Artist Collaborations: Unique pieces developed with artists, reflecting a blend of artistic expression and streetwear aesthetics.

7. Core Essentials: Staple items that showcase fundamental styles in high-quality materials.
   
   

 Gallery Dept. pieces in-store (James Law. (2020, october 13). New York Times. Received on september 12, 2024, van https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/style/mens-fashiion-is-it-streetwear-or-is-it-art.html

 

Collaborations
Gallery Dept. has engaged in several notable collaborations that highlight its unique artistic approach:

1. Fear of God: Gallery Dept. has collaborated with Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God, blending both brands’ aesthetics to create exclusive pieces that resonate with streetwear enthusiasts.

2. Bad Bunny: The brand partnered with the Puerto Rican artist and cultural icon to create unique apparel that reflects both Bad Bunny’s distinctive style and Gallery Dept.’s artistic vision.

3. Nike: While not as frequent, collaborations with Nike have appeared, resulting in limited-edition pieces that merge athletic wear with Gallery Dept.’s signature art-inspired designs.

4. Artist Collaborations: Gallery Dept. often collaborates with various artists to produce limited runs that incorporate their artwork into apparel, allowing for a unique interplay between fashion and art.

 Gallery Dept. ASICS collaboration (Maggie Shannon. (2023, december 11). Hypebeast. Received on september 12, 2024, https://hypebeast.com/2023/9/gallery-dept-asics-gt-2160-release-date

 

These collaborations reflect Gallery Dept.’s commitment to creativity and its ability to blend different styles and influences, continually refreshing its offerings in the streetwear market.

Social responsibility & future plans
Gallery Dept. is committed to social responsibility by promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and sustainability within the fashion industry. The brand actively seeks to create garments that foster self-expression while being mindful of their environmental impact. Gallery Dept. emphasizes ethical production practices and strives to use quality materials to reduce waste.

 Gallery Dept. recycle pop-up (Maggie Shannon. (2020, october 13). New York Times. Received on september 12, 2024, van https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/style/mens-fashiion-is-it-streetwear-or-is-it-art.html

 

Looking to the future, the brand plans to expand its initiatives focused on sustainability, including exploring eco-friendly materials and production methods. Additionally, Gallery Dept. intends to continue fostering collaborations that emphasize artistic expression and social consciousness, aligning with its mission to make a positive impact in both the fashion world and the wider community. By staying true to its values, Gallery Dept. is poised to inspire change and lead the way toward a more responsible fashion industry.

Gallery Dept. at The Attic
At The Attic, we have a substantial collection of Gallery Dept., ranging from the core collection to the most unique pieces. Click the image below to shop directly!