From Temple Student to Officially Licensed Partner: Status Apparel DC Featured by Tyler Alumni
Updated: Aug 28
Status Apparel DC is proud to be featured in the August 2026 Tyler School of Art and Architecture Alumni Newsletter, recognizing founder and creative director Gabriel Massalley (BS ’15) and the brand’s milestone of becoming an officially licensed Temple University merchandise partner.
For Gabriel, the feature represents more than another milestone for Status Apparel DC. It brings the story back to where an important part of the brand’s journey began: Temple University.
A Full-Circle Temple Story
Long before Status Apparel DC became an officially licensed Temple University merchandise partner, the brand was being developed while Gabriel was an Architecture student at Temple.
During his time at Temple and the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Gabriel continued developing his interests in design, creativity, entrepreneurship, and building something of his own. Those experiences would become part of the foundation for what Status Apparel DC has grown into today.
Founded in 2015, Status Apparel DC has evolved into a Washington, DC-based lifestyle apparel brand focused on original design, quality craftsmanship, positive messaging, and community.
More than a decade later, that journey has come full circle.
Becoming an Officially Licensed Temple University Merchandise Partner
In 2026, Status Apparel DC worked closely with Temple University to become an officially licensed merchandise partner through the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).
The partnership allows Status Apparel DC to bring its own creative perspective to officially licensed Temple University apparel while incorporating authentic Temple trademarks and branding.
For Gabriel, designing merchandise for the same university where he studied and continued developing Status Apparel DC makes the partnership especially meaningful.
It represents a transition from Temple student, to Temple alumnus, to entrepreneur, and now officially licensed merchandise partner.
Recognized by the Tyler Alumni Community
The Tyler alumni newsletter highlighted that journey in its feature:
“Gabriel Massalley (BS ’15) Becomes Officially Licensed Temple University Merchandise Partner.”
The feature recognizes Gabriel as the Owner and Creative Director of Status Apparel DC and shares how the brand worked with Temple University to become a licensed merchandise partner through CLC.
It also highlights a part of the story that makes this achievement particularly special: Status Apparel DC was established while Gabriel was an Architecture student.
Being recognized by Tyler provides another opportunity to share the growth of the brand with the community that was part of its early story.
Where Architecture, Design and Entrepreneurship Meet
Architecture and apparel may seem like different creative disciplines, but many of the principles Gabriel developed through architectural education continue to influence how he approaches Status Apparel DC.
Design requires intention.
Details matter.
Ideas have to move from concept to something tangible.
And the process often involves developing, testing, refining, and improving an idea before it becomes the finished product.
That same mindset continues to shape how Status Apparel DC approaches apparel design, product development, pop-up experiences, branding, and the long-term growth of the company.
More Than a Milestone
Becoming officially licensed is an exciting accomplishment, but it is also another chapter in a much longer story.
Status Apparel DC has continued to grow through years of designing products, attending events, connecting directly with customers, experimenting with new ideas, improving craftsmanship, and building relationships within the communities surrounding the brand.
The Tyler feature is an opportunity to reflect on that progress while looking ahead to what comes next.
From developing Status Apparel DC as a Temple student to creating officially licensed merchandise for the university years later, the journey is a reminder that some of the ideas you begin as a student can grow far beyond where they started.
Thank you to the Tyler School of Art and Architecture for recognizing this milestone and sharing the Status Apparel DC story with the alumni community.
The journey continues.
Status, It’s a way of life.
Check out our Tyler Alumni feature here.
Introducing Phase 1 of the TU Inspired Collection
What started as an idea during my time at Temple University has come full circle. We're excited to introduce Phase 1 of the TU Inspired Collection from Status Apparel DC. Available now!
This first release features two officially licensed pieces:
Designed with premium materials, thoughtful details, and the same craftsmanship you've come to expect from Status Apparel DC.
As a Temple alumnus, becoming an officially licensed partner has been a meaningful milestone, and this is only the beginning. More designs and releases are already in the works. "Explore the University Inspired Collection"
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Status Apparel DC officially licensed by Temple University? → Yes, Status Apparel DC is an officially licensed Temple University partner. Our TU Inspired Collection features apparel created with full approval from Temple University's licensing team.
Where can I buy officially licensed Temple University apparel from Status Apparel DC? → Shop the University Inspired Collection at statusappareldc.com/university-inspired.
What products are available in the Temple University Collection? → Phase 1 features the SG Established TU Owls Premium Striped Jersey and the SG Established TU Owls Premium Crewneck.
Who designed the Temple University Collection? → The collection was designed by Gabriel Massalley, a Temple University alumnus who studied Architecture and Historic Preservation.
What does Officially Licensed mean for apparel? → Officially licensed collegiate apparel is merchandise approved by the university and produced by an authorized licensee in accordance with the institution’s trademark and brand standards.
What is CLC / Licensing Approval? → The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) works with colleges and universities to manage trademark licensing, with approved licensees completing a formal licensing process before producing and selling merchandise featuring protected university marks.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey from the very beginning. Cherry and White always.
Discover premium, officially licensed Temple University apparel designed with the craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail that define Status Apparel DC. Explore the University Inspired Collection.
Check out our Hoodies & Crewnecks Collection.
Keep Reading
Want to learn more about the brand behind the collection? Explore more from Status Apparel DC:
Already a supporter? Join our Status Rewards loyalty program and earn points on every order — including the TU Inspired Collection.
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