​LEARN MORE ABOUT STATUS APPAREL DC
Status Apparel DC is a Black-owned Washington, DC streetwear brand creating premium apparel, motivational clothing, embroidered hoodies, graphic tees, socks, and accessories designed to inspire positive influence and everyday confidence.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT STATUS APPAREL DC
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Founded: 2012 (Relaunched 2015)
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Founder: Gabriel Massalley
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Headquarters: Washington, DC
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Business Type: Black-Owned Streetwear & Lifestyle Brand
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Mission: Promote positive influence through premium apparel and community engagement
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Known For: Premium embroidered apparel, motivational designs, community-focused streetwear
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Signature Message: "Status, It's a Way of Life."
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Product Categories: Hoodies, T-Shirts, Socks, Hats, Outerwear, Accessories
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Community: Status Gang (SG)
WHO WE ARE
Founded in Washington, DC, Status Apparel DC is a 100% Black-owned lifestyle brand that combines premium quality, style, and meaningful design. Relaunched in 2015, Status Apparel DC has grown beyond the nation's capital to reach supporters worldwide. Status is more than a brand — it's a way of life, reflecting values of resilience, positivity, and community.
Our journey began on August 10, 2012, under the original name "Got Status?" clothing. What started as a personal project to create unique designs evolved into a brand with a powerful message, built to inspire and uplift. Today, Status Apparel DC continues to provide premium goods that offer both style and comfort for every day and every season, with each piece embodying our commitment to quality and purpose.
OUR MISSION
At Status Apparel DC, our mission is to create premium apparel that inspires confidence, positivity, and purpose. Through thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and community engagement, we remind people that Status is more than what you wear — it's how you live.
Every collection is built around the belief that positive influence creates lasting impact. Whether through motivational designs, community partnerships, or everyday essentials, we strive to help people elevate their lives.
MEET THE FOUNDER, GABRIEL MASSALLEY
Gabriel Massalley is the founder of Status Apparel DC, a DC-based Black-owned brand celebrated for its premium quality and culturally resonant designs that emphasize positivity and community. A native Washingtonian, Gabriel has been an artist and designer from a young age, crafting cartoons and graphics that reflect his lifelong creativity and commitment to uplifting messaging. He studied architecture at Temple University, where he began creating the initial designs for Status Apparel DC. Originally designing for himself and friends, Gabriel quickly realized there was a demand for his work and began selling under the name “Got Status? Clothing.”
After graduating in 2015 and returning to DC, he reimagined the brand as Status Apparel DC, establishing it as a community-centered apparel line that combines high-quality craftsmanship with empowering, positive messages. Gabriel’s background as an architectural designer continues to influence his work, blending precision with the creativity of streetwear. Today, Status Apparel DC stands as a symbol of culture, positivity, and community, connecting people through unique story-driven apparel that inspires and uplifts.
“When I first started making shirts, I focused on creating designs and testing ideas that I genuinely liked to wear. As I wore them around campus and shared photos on social media, I noticed that people wanted to support and represent what we had going on. It became a way for me to be creative outside of my everyday course load. That original purpose—creating high-quality designs I love—has stayed with me in everything I’ve made since. My goal is to create comfortable, durable, quality clothing that spans ages and embodies good design. I’m incredibly grateful that these concepts continue to resonate with people.
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Present day, I see Status as Influence. Positive influence. I want to affect change positively in the city that I grew up in and in the world. With so many obstacles and negatives in the world our brand aims to provide daily motivation and positivity.”
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— Gabriel Massalley, Founder
ROOTED IN WASHINGTON, DC
Status Apparel DC was born in Washington, DC and continues to be shaped by the city's culture, creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
From local pop-up events and community partnerships to collaborations with artists, students, and small businesses, DC remains at the heart of everything we do. Our designs reflect the energy of a city built by people who push boundaries, create opportunities, and inspire change.
As a Black-owned DC brand, we are proud to represent the city wherever our products are worn.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE STATUS?
Status is Influence. Positive influence.​
To have status is to be a trendsetter, you lead the way, you set what's cool, you determine what the people live by. Someone that has status is someone who is a positive individual that's motivated, driven, innovative and loyal to friends and family. It's a way of life and if someone embodies these traits they have "status".
The use of 'Status' in this way began among friends at Benjamin Banneker High School in 2010. Originally, the word was used to describe anything good (e.g., 'That’s the status'). Over the years, its meaning and use have expanded. Status has evolved from simple slang shared among friends to something much larger, yet the original essence that redefined it still remains.​​​​
WHO/WHAT IS STATUS GANG?
Status Gang is a community of innovators and friends - a collective of individuals who embody the mindset and traits that define what Status is. If you have Status, you’re part of this group. If you’ve ever supported Status Apparel DC, you’re already a member. You’re part of the Status Gang.
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The ‘SG’ seen throughout our designs stands for Status Gang. A group representing positivity.
WHAT IS PERFECT SEASON?
Perfect Season is our mantra - a commitment to perfecting your craft, refusing to settle, striving for greatness, and elevating everything you do.
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For Status Apparel DC, that means continuously refining our process, elevating our brand, and delivering innovative designs with enhanced quality in every release. Each collection is created to embody the mindset and discipline that Perfect Season represents.
OUR VALUES
Positivity — We believe positive influence can change communities.
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Quality — We focus on durable materials, thoughtful construction, and premium craftsmanship.
Community — Status Apparel DC exists because of the people who support it.
Growth — Every collection reflects our commitment to improving, learning, and evolving.
Authenticity — We create products that reflect real experiences, real stories, and real people.
OUR PRODUCT PHILOSOPHY
We believe clothing should do more than look good.
Every Status Apparel DC design is created with intention — combining meaningful messaging, premium materials, and timeless style. We focus on creating pieces that people can wear repeatedly and confidently, rather than chasing short-term trends.
Whether it's a motivational design from our Daily Motivation Series, a premium embroidered hoodie, or a pair of everyday socks, our goal is to create products that encourage positivity, self-expression, and long-term value.
OUR CRAFTSMANSHIP & APPROACH TO QUALITY + FIT
Status Apparel DC garments are designed with intention, not simply sourced. We start with raw fabric and develop our custom cut-and-sew pieces using original patterns, sizing, and fit standards — not off-the-shelf blanks. Through consistent communication with our manufacturing partners, we safeguard quality and foster focused, collaborative production. This approach allows us to control the structure, comfort, and durability of every garment from the foundation up.
For our releases labeled as online exclusive, we partner with trusted manufacturers to source premium blanks that meet our quality standards before adding our design and finishing touches.
MORE THAN A CLOTHING BRAND
Status Apparel DC is a lifestyle brand built around the idea that what you wear can reflect who you are and what you stand for.
Since 2012, our goal has remained the same: create quality products with purpose, inspire positivity, and build a community of people committed to growth and excellence.
Status is Influence. Positive Influence.
Status, It's a Way of Life.
THE STATUS EXPERIENCE
FAST
DELIVERY
After placing an order with Status Apparel DC, you can rest assured that your item will be delivered promptly. Most orders from our website are shipped next day.
DISCOUNTS
& MORE
Status Apparel DC is all about the people. Be sure to check our website for the latest releases and discounts, you won't want to miss out on any chances to add one of our pieces to your wardrobe.
Get started earning discounts by joining our Status Appreciation Rewards Program, sign up here.
STYLE
ALWAYS
The perfect combination of comfort and style for your everyday routines. Bringing a touch of flair to your wardrobe is easy with our custom-made cut and sew pieces. Shop our classics and new releases today!
In Loving Memory of Ajibril Blake
Long Live Ajibril Blake! A beloved Brand Ambassador and core part of Status Apparel DC. Your spirit continues to inspire us, and you will always be part of our legacy. We love you forever, Family. Rest in Power.
In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Uncle Kim!
Our Day 1 supporter, advertiser, advocate, and more. The life of all of our events, We love and miss you. Rest in Power to Kimmy O. Crawford!