"FASHION HAS THE POWER TO CREATE CHANGE" "Ever since my first fashion job I realized just how accurate this statement is. Fashion is about evolution, about change. It's taking an idea and springing it around in every which way. The job of a fashion designer is not just to design but to adapt.
"I'm a kid at heart and a main source of inspiration is cartoons and pop culture. I think it's something so universal for us. Remember growing up and if you were sick, or if it was a weekend, or waiting at the doctors office; cartoons would always be playing! We dress up as them for Halloween, we play the film soundtracks, they are a core part of our culture and identity.But yes in the end, It's just a mouse or a rabbit, or a duck, or a dog, making us laugh. In recent years, I have become more passionate about the idea of sustainability within fashion both in practices and materials. As designers we have a responsibility to be conscious, and responsible with the garments we make and how we make them. Finding sustainable alternatives to materials that we’ve been using for years. I am very passionate about working with textile waste it has been our main material since we transitioned to sustaable fashion. I like how we can create one of a kind pieces. Aniother aspect that I find fascinating is the regenerated materials that our industry is developing. Faux fur made from corn waste, nylon made of ocean bound plastic. It all circles back to adaptability. Its key." - Gamalier Calderon; Creative Director Gamalier Calderon, the Creative Director of House of Gam, established the organization in 2014 shortly after graduating from high school. During his first year of college, he gained valuable experience through an internship with Tampa stylist Tamy Lugo of VStylist. Initially conceived as a fashion blog, House of Gam served as a platform to spotlight emerging and underrepresented fashion designers, providing them with an avenue to connect with a wider audience.
The blog covered prominent fashion events and designers, both locally and beyond, contributing to the exposure of lesser-known talents. At the end of each year, House of Gam organized annual fashion shows that celebrated the featured designers and retailers. These shows were meticulously produced, directed, and marketed by Gamalier and his dedicated team. In addition to their artistic significance, the shows carried a philanthropic mission, with a portion of the proceeds or in-kind donations being channeled towards supporting various charitable causes. In June 2018, Gamalier assumed the role of Style Editor at LaPalme Magazine, a prominent Los Angeles-based fashion publication. This new position provided opportunities to collaborate with national and international brands, further expanding his industry expertise. In addition to his editorial and styling work, Gamalier has passionately pursued his love for theater, particularly focusing on costume design for local productions. In 2021, Gamalier assumed the role of Wardrobe Supervisor at the esteemed Williamstown Theater Festival, marking a return to his roots in the theater world and rekindling his fascination with the storytelling power of clothing. During his tenure at the festival, he expertly managed the wardrobe for four notable productions, including "Border of Lights" and "Michael Arden's Alien / Nation." Upon his relocation to New York City in 2021, Gamalier swiftly immersed himself in various theater productions, showcasing his versatile expertise: - "Space Dogs" at MCC, where he served as the Associate Costume Designer. - "No Shade" at Tisch School for The Arts/NYU, where he assumed the role of Costume Designer. - "Baby!" produced by Out of The Box Theatrics, where he excelled as the Wardrobe Supervisor. Simultaneously, Gamalier has expanded his portfolio to encompass a diverse range of projects in film, television, theater, and fashion while also dedicating time to the development of his namesake brand. Presently, he holds the position of Wardrobe Supervisor for "Buena Vista Social Club" at the Atlantic Theater Co. |
GAMALIER CALDERON