Lanvin and Gallery Dept. joined forces in 2021 to bring forth the hottest capsule collection of the year. And this year, they did it again… Here’s everything you need to know about the Lanvin Gallery Dept collaboration.
Lanvin x Gallery Dept. is the collaboration we didn’t know we needed…until we did.
French luxury fashion house Lanvin and LA cult streetwear label Gallery Dept. do make quite an unusual pair, but their two capsule collections together are nothing short from perfect.
The latest Lanvin Gallery Dept collection, launched in March 2022, embraces a “furiously urban” style, perfectly blending the two brand’s aesthetics.
“From the beginning, Gallery Dept.’s focus has been making the best product, while easing the burden of resource consumption,” Thomas stated. “Because each case is unique and deserves a unique solution, I am choosing to continue the practice of being an artist and withdraw myself from the fashion industry.”
The collection was a surprise as, in September 2021, Gallery Dept.’s founder Josué Thomas announced the brand’s closure. Does this new collection with Lanvin mean Thomas changed his mind? No one knows for sure, but if Gallery Dept. is shutting down, now is your chance to grab one of Thomas’s artsy paint-splattered hoodies before they run out of stock!
Not familiar with Lanvin and Gallery Dept. yet? Here’s what you need to know about the two labels.
What is Lanvin?
A leader in the luxury fashion world and one of the oldest French fashion houses still in operation, Lanvin is renowned for its sophisticated, timeless aesthetic–the epitome of Parisian chic.
The label was established in 1889 by designer Jeanne Lanvin. In 1908, Jeanne was the first designer to launch a children’s fashion line, followed by a Young Ladies’ and Women’s department—mothers and daughters would come to Lanvin and shop for exquisite matching outfits, hence Lanvin’s iconic mother and child logo.
When Jeanne passed away in 1946, her daughter Marguerite took over the maison, leading it until 1950. Today, Lanvin is helmed by Bruno Sialelli, a young French designer who had previously worked with Jonathan Anderson at Loewe.
Though still synonymous with French sophistication, Lanvin is keeping up with the times and embracing streetwear—one of Lanvin’s signature items today is the Curb sneaker, a bold, chunky shoe inspired by 90s skate culture, introduced by Sialelli.
Read more about Lanvin sneakers.
What is Gallery Dept.?
Founded in 2018 by artist and designer Josué Thomas, Gallery Dept. is an art project… in the shape of a streetwear brand.
Dissatisfied with the monotony of the fashion industry and with the ideology of consumerism, Thomas upcycles old garments, transforming them into real works of art. Flared pants, denim, tees, hoodies… Thomas gives new life to these vintage pieces by painting over them, distressing them, adding patches and other embellishments.
Virgil Abloh was one of the brand’s earliest fans, shortly followed by the likes of Kendall Jenner, Kendrick Lamar, and the Migos, who have all been spotted wearing Gallery Dept.’s paint-splattered hoodies and t-shirts.
In 2021, Josué Thomas announced that the brand will be closing.
“From the beginning, Gallery Dept.’s focus has been making the best product, while easing the burden of resource consumption,” Thomas stated. “Because each case is unique and deserves a unique solution, I am choosing to continue the practice of being an artist and withdraw myself from the fashion industry.”
Gallery Dept x Lanvin
The first Lanvin Gallery Dept collaboration in 2021 was as unexpected as it was successful.
Lanvin’s Bruno Sialelli gave Gallery Dept. carte blanche to experiment with the maison’s luxury clothing. “I wanted each garment to have a feeling that people can connect with forever,” Thomas said. “It’s about great energy and the small imperfect details that make a seemingly normal piece of clothing or accessory so special.”
So, spurred by the success of this first collaboration, the two brands joined forces once more to launch a second capsule collection together, embracing a “furiously urban” style.
Lanvin’s refined, urban chic aesthetic meets Gallery Dept.’s artistic touch. The result? A collection that exudes energy and positivity.
The collection comprises Lanvin’s iconic Curb Sneaker, hoodies, denim jackets, jogging pants, and a tote bag, all treated with Thomas’ signature paint drip technique and featuring Gallery Dept.’s “Art on Display” tag.
Can’t wait to get your hands on the iconic Lanvin Gallery Dept hoodie, or Thomas’s take on the Curb sneakers? Discover our selection of Lanvin x Gallery Dept. apparel for men.
About the Author
Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.