Gallery Department: The Happy Accident

The unexpected fame of Gallery Department is a fascinating story in the world of contemporary art and fashion. Beginning as a hobby for his creative passions, Josue Thomas experimented with elements of street wear and luxury aesthetics as he reimagined vintage clothing and created hand painted pieces for his friends and family. His distinctive and rebellious style quickly caught the eye of celebrities and influencers, and grew momentum through social media. This happy accident of fame launched his career into growing his brand from collaborating with high profile figures to opening his own stores. If you recognize Lebron James’s favorite hoodie, accessories on Kendrick Lamar and Drake, or Migos’s Culture III merch, then you’ve already dipped your toes into the expansive world of Gallery Department. Founded by the artist Josué Thomas, Gallery Department is more than just a clothing brand, it's a manifesto of collaboration, creativity, and rebellion. 

Who is Josue Thomas?

Thomas has been surrounded by creativity his entire life -- nurtured what he calls an “innate passion for drawing and sketching” (Mr. Porter).  This inspired his early career as a creative, and what would become his true passion; fashion. Beginning at Ralph Lauren in his early 20s, a fire was lit under Thomas that ignited his need to intersect the artistry he grew up in with his craving for a change in the art and fashion world.  What better niche to tackle than street wear? 

Diving deeper into who Josué Thomas is as a designer, one of the earliest adopters of his brand was Virgil Abloh. Abloh was seen on several sets wearing the “LA Flare Carpenter”, pants that retail for $1200. Abloh acted as a mentor to Thomas and said that “He's a perfect example of someone creating their own path from a community that has not traditionally participated in fashion…I see Josue as making a new canon of his own, showcasing what black designers can do”.  

The Start of Gallery Department

The inception of Gallery Dept began like many; a concept. Thomas, with nothing but studio space and passion, collaborated with his friends to create a hub for inspiration and artistic visions. The genesis of it all? A commissioned jacket for none other than Johnny Depp. The jacket was entirely made of reconstructed vintage pieces from the Actor’s fashion archive. The following year, Josué Thomas opened his Gallery Department to the public. This quickly caught the eye of many, including one of the most prominent figures in fashion, Virgil Abloh. 

Gallery Dept's foundation rests upon Thomas's love for vintage clothing. He often deconstructs and reimagines these pieces, infusing them with a touch of luxury. He refers to this creative process as a "happy accident," where vintage pieces find new life and identity through his artistic lens. His pieces are a statement and a staple simultaneously, as each item is simple, with industrial finishes. From satin bomber jackets in electric purples, to closet staple gray crewnecks, Gallery Department has a piece for every taste. Prices range from a $600 hoodie to $9,000 eel skin shirt, and make no mistake their pieces are not for the common shopper. He intersects old money’s whispering vintage aesthetic with new money's cries to stand out from  sidewalks to runways. Each creation at Gallery Dept is an ode to personal experiences, memories, or unique visions. Thomas draws inspiration from what he explains to be a myriad of influences, including political issues, aesthetics, and personal beliefs, resulting in a tapestry of designs that resonate with deeper narratives. 

A groundbreaking extension of Thomas's creative vision is the "Art That Kills" project, which stands as a testament to his unconventional approach to fashion. Launched on his birthday, September 11, 2023, this project took shape as an e-commerce website, marking a significant milestone for the brand's evolution. 

Where Can You Shop Gallery Department?

What continues to set Gallery Department apart is its sense of interactivity it has with its consumers. On their website, you have the ability to book appointments with the choice of their five specialists. In these appointments, buyers have the privilege to be styled with clothes tailored to them specifically. There is the option to meet with these specialists in their store located in either Miami or Los Angeles. In the future, Thomas hopes to expand this privilege alongside opening more brick and mortar stores in several other locations.

Ultimately, Josué Thomas's brainchild, Gallery Dept, serves as the canvas to express his rebellion against social norms using art as a weapon, in an effort to unite people with his creativity and vision through fashion. With each stitch and silhouette, the brand continues to redefine the fashion landscape, offering not just clothing but an experience that challenges norms and celebrates the beauty of individuality. Gallery Dept isn’t just a brand; it's a movement, a rebellion against the mundane, an invitation to be part of a story that's still being written.