Musicians have been using merch as a tool to promote their music videos and albums. And there's nothing new about it. One artist who has been doing it for a while and has been doing it in the best way possible is Travis Scott. But the merch becomes somewhat more popular and memorable if the merch itself relates to the singer and his authenticity rather than just the album.
Migos did exactly that while launching their highly anticipated album by collaborating with Gallery Dept a huge label from Los Angeles that has now become a staple in the wardrobe of Migos and so many other rappers and singers lately. Wanna know more about this brand? Read ahead.
Beginning of the Brand
The brand was founded by Josue Thomas in 2017 who wanted to create clothing that could have some vintage art in it. He gathered the inspiration for clothing as well as art from his parents who themselves were artists. His father, Stefan Gilbert even handled a womenswear label for a particular period of time. In an interview, the designer even said that his inspiration came from the wonderful and quaint vintage clothing that he used to see in his parents' wardrobe. There were his father’s old Converse, boots, and motorcycle jackets that fascinated him and he believed these pieces had a character and personality to them.
Early Work of Josue Thomas
Before the designer founded Gallery Dept., he worked at Ralph Lauren when he was in his 20s. Fancy, right? As he was one of the Black employees in there, he knew if he wanted to climb the ladder in the fashion industry, there was only one way of doing that. And that was by starting his own label. So he began creating and reconstructing some vintage pieces. And in 2016, he sold a poncho he made to Johny Depp’s stylists. By that year, his brand, Gallery Dept., was officially underway.
Virgil Abloh - One of the brand’s Earliest Adopters
Virgil Abloh was one of the earliest supporters of the brand who was often seen adorning the brand’s clothing on numerous occasions in his own showrooms. Sometimes she would be seen wearing faded hoodies while at other times, she flared Crahartts. Abloh even said that Thomas is the perfect example is just the great example of someone who has created his own path coming from a community that hasn't traditionally participated in the field of fashion. He sees Josue doing something of his own showing how Black people can do wonders and what they can design.
Biggest innovations of Gallery Dept.
One of the best releases of this brand was the LA Flare Denim which came out in 2017. It had a great contrast to the everyday skinny denim that has been dominating men’s fashion for the most part of the decade. The flared denims were a huge success among a lot of rappers. His merch with the Migos also had this denim as a part of it along with sweatpants. The brand works with a mission to provide a compelling product that offers excellent quality without compromising on comfort.
Celebs Wearing the Brand
Rappers like Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff have been supporters of Gallery Clothing. Let's learn more: -
Offset
Migos member Offset was featured in the official lookbook of the brand. He rocked several items like dress shirts and t-shirts.
Virgil Abloh
He has always supported the brand and wore popular hoodies by Gallery Dept., and even the distressed carpenter pants.
Conclusion
We are sure you must be impressed by the success and growth of the wonderful brand called Gallery Department.
No comments yet