Vans x Gallery Dept.
A year ago Gallery Department was said to shut down. After a cryptic “retirement” letter the brand is clearly here to stay with it expanding its doors and entering the world of collabs. From the beginning, Gallery Department's focus has been on making the best product, while easing the burden of resource consumption. The brand, being the brainchild of visionary artist Josué Thomas, has since carved a unique space in the fashion industry with its distinct blend of art, streetwear, and his signature vintage aesthetic.
Drawing inspiration from his artistic background, passion for painting, and ultimately driven by a desire to break free from the confines of traditional fashion, Gallery Department’s (Gallery Dept.) Thomas set out to create something truly unique. All of this is brought to life through the lens of deconstructed or reimagined pieces, marked by distressed details, hand-painted elements, and a DIY ethos.
“Taking something that has a lot of life, something that someone looked at as worthless in a sense, and then making it into something that is precious and beautiful to someone that they want to keep for ever, that was something that I always liked,” this sentiment runs true in all Thomas’ designs where he effortlessly fuses his passions for vintage clothing and art. As a black artist, Thomas speaks about how climbing the ranks of the art world was not always easy, but support by the hip hop and streetwear industry helped him gain the recognition he deserved.
One of the earliest visionaries to embrace Gallery Department was Virgil Abloh, who could more often than not be seen wearing one of the brand’s faded hoodies or flared Carhartt pants. “He’s a perfect example of someone creating their own path from a community that hasn’t traditionally participated in fashion,” Abloh said in a 2020 New York Times interview. “I see Josué as making a new canon of his own, showcasing what Black design can do."
While its rise has been steady since starting just six years ago, it seems like recently a new rapper is spotted in one of Gallery Dept.’s signature tracksuits or splatter print pieces every other day. Gallery Department's clothing is a canvas for self-expression, inspiring a new wave of fashion enthusiasts to embrace their creativity and so aligning perfectly with the sentiments shared by people of colour in the music and fashion industry. With Migos releasing a capsule collection with Gallery Department for their Culture III album release, only a few months after the brands first official collaboration with French fashion house Lanvin, Thomas’ is embracing the role of collaboration in streetwear.
2023 now brings us the captivating Vault by Vans x Gallery Dept. collab. A true reflection of the artistic vision of Josué Thomas merged with Vans' expertise in footwear craftsmanship. The coming together of these two brands has resulted in a sneaker that perfectly captures the essence of both, where Thomas uses the iconic silhouette of the Vans Old Skool as a canvas for his reimagining.
Featuring hand-painted elements and distressed details, each pair of sneakers is uniquely crafted, showcasing a sense of individuality and artistry that is synonymous with Gallery Department's ethos. These artistic touches give the sneakers a worn-in, vintage feel, evoking a sense of nostalgia while remaining undeniably contemporary.
First previewed on Instagram by Thomas himself, Gallery Dept.'s Vans collab sees colour-blocking on the suede toecap and a Newspaper-like print on the leather uppers, all in muted tones. The shoe is contrasted by the fuzzy red Jazz Stripe and branded yellow laces. There is an embroidered "ART THAT KILLS" mantra (the brand’s signature slogan) on the heels, all of which is rounded off by “scuffed” soles. The print is inspired by "punk show flyers," according to the press release, made especially clear by the graphic reference to hardcore band Earth Crisis.
The Gallery Dept. x Vans Old Skool LX sneaker not only captures the essence of Gallery Department's artistry but also represents the vintage appeal of Vans' iconic sneaker. The Old Skool's classic design provides the perfect canvas for Thomas' artistic expression and keeping the goal of “upcycling of vintage pieces” alive, even if it’s done in an unconventional way.
The Vault by Vans x Gallery Dept. Old Skool LX sneaker drops Friday, 19 May, exclusive to Shelflife!
In-store & online for R1999 in UK6-UK10.