Gallery Dept. is a brand known for its unique, artistic approach to fashion, often incorporating elements of streetwear and high fashion. The brand, founded by Josué Thomas, places a strong emphasis on customization and individuality in its clothing. Here’s a detailed look at the blanks and production methods Gallery Dept. uses:
Customization Over Blanks
Gallery Dept. does not typically use standard blanks. Instead, they focus on repurposing and customizing existing garments, which aligns with their ethos of creating art through fashion. This approach allows them to produce one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out in the crowded fashion landscape.
Fabric Choices
Gallery Dept. uses a variety of high-quality fabrics for their garments, including:
- Vintage and Upcycled Materials: A significant portion of their collection involves repurposing vintage clothing and materials. This not only adds a unique, worn-in aesthetic to their pieces but also supports sustainable fashion practices.
- Cotton and Cotton Blends: For items like t-shirts and hoodies, Gallery Dept. often uses cotton and cotton-blend fabrics. These materials are chosen for their comfort, durability, and ease of customization.
Printing and Customization Techniques
Gallery Dept. employs several techniques to achieve their distinctive look:
- Screen Printing: This is a primary method used for their graphic designs. Screen printing allows for bold, durable prints that can withstand wear and washing. The process involves creating a stencil (or screen) and applying layers of ink to the fabric, which is ideal for the brand’s artistic graphics.
- Hand-Painting: Many of Gallery Dept.’s pieces feature hand-painted details. This technique ensures that each item is unique, with slight variations that add to the garment’s individuality and artistic value.
- Distressing and Alterations: The brand is known for its distressed and altered clothing. Techniques such as bleaching, cutting, and sewing are used to transform standard garments into bespoke pieces. This process often involves deconstructing and reconstructing items to create a completely new look.
Production and Quality Control
Gallery Dept.’s commitment to customization and quality control is evident in their production process:
- Repurposing Vintage Pieces: By sourcing and repurposing vintage clothing, Gallery Dept. ensures that each piece has a unique history and character. This approach also supports sustainability by reducing waste.
- Attention to Detail: The customization process involves meticulous attention to detail, from the placement of prints and hand-painted elements to the execution of distressing and alterations.
- High-Quality Materials: Even when using vintage or upcycled materials, Gallery Dept. ensures that the fabrics are of high quality, providing durability and comfort.
Sustainability
Gallery Dept.’s use of vintage and upcycled materials aligns with their commitment to sustainability. By repurposing existing garments, they reduce the demand for new fabric production and minimize waste, contributing to more environmentally friendly fashion practices.