Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Massalley
Hi Gabriel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Status Apparel DC started as a creative outlet while I was studying architecture at Temple University. I’ve always been an artist and designer, and in college, I began making shirts with designs that I personally liked—at first just for myself and close friends. The response was immediate. People saw the designs, connected with the message, and wanted to be part of it. That’s when I realized I had something more than just personal projects—I had the foundation for a brand.
Originally, I sold under the name “Got Status? Clothing,” but after graduating in 2015 and returning to DC, I reimagined the brand as Status Apparel DC—a name that reflected both a sense of influence and a commitment to quality, positivity, and community. From the start, my goal has been to create well-crafted, durable clothing that isn’t just stylish but also carries a message that resonates. Over the years, Status has grown from a local brand to something with a wider reach, yet its foundation remains the same: culture, quality, and purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any independent business, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. One of the biggest obstacles has been balancing creative vision with the realities of running a business—handling production, logistics, marketing, and everything in between. As a Black-owned brand in the fashion industry, there’s also the challenge of standing out and gaining visibility in a space often dominated by larger, more established names.
Additionally, ensuring high quality in every product while maintaining accessibility for the community has been a constant learning experience. But overcoming these challenges is what makes the journey worth it. Every lesson along the way has helped shape Status into what it is today: a brand rooted in resilience, creativity, and the desire to uplift. These lessons have also shaped me and helped with my personal growth, helping me put my best foot forward in general in life as well as with developing the brand.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Status Apparel DC specializes in premium lifestyle clothing with a message—a blend of streetwear aesthetics, cultural influence, and high-quality craftsmanship. What sets us apart is our commitment to positivity and impact. We’re not just selling clothes; we’re building a movement centered around community and self-betterment.
I’m especially proud of how the brand has connected with people beyond just fashion. Seeing customers not just wear the clothes but identify with the message—whether that’s resilience, ambition, or creativity—means everything. The Black Market Creatives Showcase is one example of how Status goes beyond apparel by actively creating spaces for other small businesses and artists to thrive. This event is a marketplace activation that we organize with the Status Apparel DC, that focuses on showcasing work and products by Black Owned Businesses and creatives.
At its core, Status is about influence—positive influence. That’s what keeps me going.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember. My parents are entrepreneurs and would always have me and my brothers at markets and entrepreneur events selling or with them as they sold their products. As a kid growing up in DC, I was always drawing, sketching, and coming up with ideas—especially cartoons and graphics. That artistic mindset eventually evolved into an interest in architecture and design, which led me to Temple University.
At the same time, I was also deeply influenced by sports and community culture. I played basketball in high school, and that experience shaped a lot of my approach to teamwork, discipline, and leadership—values that still influence how I run my business today.
Overall, I was always someone who wanted to create, build, and inspire—whether through art, design, or entrepreneurship. That’s exactly what Status Apparel DC is about now.
Pricing:
- Our prices range depending on the product, we have socks, hats accessories along with hoodies, joggers, track pants and more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://StatusApparelDC.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/statusappareldc
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/statusappareldc
- Twitter: https://x.com/statusgang
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@statuswayoflife
