Andrea Grilli, a seasoned executive with a notable background in cultivating growth for founder-led fashion ventures, has been appointed as the new CEO of Los Angeles-based Gallery Dept. This strategic move aims to propel the brand's unique concept of "cultural clothing" into international markets while simultaneously strengthening its existing presence in the United States. Grilli's collaboration with founder Josué Thomas marks a significant chapter for Gallery Dept., promising a future of expanded reach and innovative development within the global fashion landscape.
Grilli's appointment brings a wealth of experience, stemming from his previous leadership roles at prominent fashion and beauty brands. He initially joined Off-White shortly after its establishment in 2013, where he progressed through various senior positions, eventually becoming CEO in 2019. His tenure at Off-White saw significant developments, including Farfetch's acquisition of New Guards Group, the brand's licensee. Following his departure from Off-White in 2023, approximately 18 months after the passing of founder Virgil Abloh, Grilli was named CEO of Pharrell Williams's beauty and skincare brand, Humanrace, in 2024, a position he held until last November.
Gallery Dept., established in 2016 by Josué Thomas, 41, was conceived as a platform to merge his passions for painting and fashion. The brand's early endeavors focused on transforming vintage garments for bespoke clients, incorporating paint and other artistic embellishments. Operating from a hybrid studio-gallery-store on Beverly Boulevard, the brand functioned as a comprehensive hub for design, production, exhibition, and sales.
Currently, Gallery Dept. boasts over 60 wholesale accounts worldwide, yet its primary revenue stream originates from direct-to-consumer sales within the US, both online and through its physical stores. Thomas has also engaged in several successful collaborations with renowned brands such as Vans and Chrome Hearts, further diversifying Gallery Dept.'s portfolio and enhancing its market presence. The brand's recent presentation in Paris, held above a public exhibition and retail space that hosted listening parties and a bar, occupied three floors of a prime location at the intersection of Rue de Castiglione and Rue du Mont Thabor—a site that formerly housed Off-White's Paris flagship. Grilli noted his familiarity with the landlord as a key factor in securing the venue.
The late Virgil Abloh, a client of Gallery Dept. himself, recognized Thomas's pioneering vision. In a 2020 interview with The New York Times, Abloh praised Thomas for forging a new aesthetic and showcasing the capabilities of Black design. He highlighted Thomas's "LA Flare" silhouette, crafted from deadstock Levi's and Carhartt, as arguably "the most important new cut of denim in the last decade since the skinny jean." Grilli recounted his initial introduction to Thomas in 2023 through Craig Robins, co-owner of Miami Design District, which evolved into a friendly acquaintance. Grilli described Thomas as a highly creative artist who is also pragmatic in business, emphasizing that Gallery Dept. transcends traditional fashion by producing clothes, music, and art, positioning it more as a purveyor of "cultural clothing."
Thomas expressed the importance of understanding the brand's core meaning and purpose, acknowledging the current transitional moment where established approaches seem to have reached their limits. While he couldn't predict the exact path forward, he voiced his hope that their collaborative efforts would introduce something distinct and fresh to the industry. Grilli's leadership is anticipated to provide the necessary strategic direction and operational expertise to navigate these new possibilities, building upon Gallery Dept.'s artistic foundation and expanding its global footprint in a uniquely impactful way.
This new appointment signifies a pivotal moment for Gallery Dept., as it combines artistic innovation with strategic business leadership. With Grilli at the helm, the brand is poised to amplify its reach and influence, pushing the boundaries of what "cultural clothing" can achieve on an international scale. The partnership between Grilli's executive acumen and Thomas's creative vision is set to redefine Gallery Dept.'s trajectory, fostering a period of significant growth and innovation. This move is expected to enhance the brand's visibility and solidify its position as a distinctive force in the fashion world, demonstrating the immense potential when artistic expression meets robust business strategy.