The Evolution of Dapper Dan: Then and Now

August 24, 2019
Celebrity

photo credit: Santiago Felipe / Getty Images 

Designer Dapper Dan, is a trailblazer in the fashion industry. Dan has a influenced a whole generation of hip-hop fashion trends. The designer is originally from Harlem, New York and made a name for himself by making leather jackets and tracksuits emblazoned with bootleg Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Fendi logo. In 1982 Dan opened Dapper Dan’s Boutique.

 

The boutique was a pillar in the community and was located on 125th street. At times the store stayed open for 24 hours, 7 days a week. The boutique carted to local drug dealers, athletes, hip-hop stars, and gangsters. Some of his clients included Mike Tyson and Salt-N-Pepa. Eventually the boutique was raided for trademark infringement in 1992.

 

Now, years later his legacy continues. In fact, many luxe companies are influenced by him and his designs.  In 2017, Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele, paid homage to Dan by designing a jacket based on a well-known his design for Diane Dixon in 1989.


 

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He later partnered with Gucci, and collaborated on a men’s fashion line. As of 2018, Dan opened a new atelier on Lenox Avenue in partnership with Gucci. Dapper Dan of Harlem, is “the first luxury house fashion store in Harlem”

 

Take a look at some defining moments in his career below. 


 

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Flashback to the early days of Dapper Dan’s Boutique. Find out the full story on Tuesday, July 9th. #DapperDanMadeInHarlem

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At my boutique in 1989. Two of the jackets on the left were custom-made for Boogie Down Productions and The Jungle Brothers. #DapperDan #Harlem #1989

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1987 in Washington, D.C. Custom everything. #dapperdan #harlem

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No honor is higher than loyalty. @FloydMayweather, thanks for allowing me to dress you for 16 years, and for always coming to the hood. It was so great to see you again today. #Harlem and I salute you—our champion.

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It was a #Harlem homecoming last night. @Diddy came to congratulate me on my new partnership and recent activities. I have known him since he was an intern at Uptown Records. Today, he is a legendary Harlem hero who is holding our cultural kingdom together. He stands ready to continue to build with me on our culture whenever I call. Thank you to a true son of Harlem. We salute you. (

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