DAPPER DAN

Official blog of the Harlem fashion icon.

[dapperdanofharlem]

Finally!! The world will know my full story, beyond being a brand, but as a Black man finding his place in the world. My struggle against poverty, crime, and drugs; social rebellion; and my quest for spiritual enlightenment. The tears, sadness, and the joys are all finally told. I am the sum total of everyone who has come into my life—thank you all. And thanks to everyone for supporting #DapperDanMadeInHarlem.⁣

📚 #DapperDanMadeInHarlem available now, wherever books are sold: http://book.dapperdanofharlem.com

[dapperdanofharlem]

I had trouble sewing my life together, so God made me a tailor. Then, a dream of being a designer was born. I didn’t let anything nor anybody rip that dream away from me. Now, from the corners of Harlem to the runways of Europe, by way of Africa, I’m living that dream. Thirty-plus years later, with no tears nor regrets, I’m telling my story. My memoir, Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem, is available for pre-order now via @randomhouse:

http://book.dapperdanofharlem.com

[dapperdanofharlem]

Parsons School of Design Benefit 2018.

Solange, Cleo Wade, La La, and Gucci President and CEO, Marco Bizzarri.

[dapperdanofharlem]

The 1980s were the best of times (Rap music’s golden age) and the worst of times (The Crack Epidemic), but thanks to the GLORY OF GOD I was given the vision to do something positive for our culture. I am so thankful to all who made that possible.

HARLEM FOREVER 🙏🏿❤️💪🏿

New T Magazine available this Sunday. Preview here.

[dapperdanofharlem]

Fashion has given me a voice. This Telegraph Luxury article is but an intro to the perils and prosperity of a cultural odyssey. Culture has both a light side and a dark side. Through the will of God, I have come from the dark into the light. My commitment is to create light through my voice. Fashion has given me that opportunity.

📸: Martin Scott Powell

Read here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/mens-style/dapper-dan-interview-gucci-collaboration-harlem-style/

[dapperdanofharlem]

Salma Hayek wore the most important outfit of the night at last night’s Oscars. It wasn’t because she is absolutely stunning—because she is. It wasn’t because it was the best outfit of the night—because it wasn’t. It’s not because it was @gucci, nor is it because it was made by Dapper Dan. No. It was the most important because it sent a message to my pen pals in the favelas of Brazil, and in Soweto, South Africa, and in every ghetto in the world where people are trying to find a way to “make it from The Corner to the rest of the world.” It is important because they know that my story is their story, and that if someone of Salma’s stature would wear something of mine, then they, too, can be a designer.

[dapperdanofharlem]

Nothing elevates our fashion culture better than us having it our way. Thank you to CC Sabathia and Shawn Pecas for having it their way.

[dapperdanofharlem]

Well-suited for the culture. I salute DJ Khaled and his stylist, Terrell, for doing it their way, and taking it worldwide. This is how the culture was born—creating what you want, exactly the way that you want it. See you soon, Asahd!

📷: @dunnie

[dapperdanofharlem]

A sign of the times. For the first time in history, a major luxury brand store has opened in Harlem: @Gucci by Dapper Dan. With made-to-order garments for your taste and in your specific measurements, I will create your design from your mind, or come up with a design for you. I’ll also have limited edition ready-to-wear items and accessories available for purchase, by appointment only.

[dapperdanofharlem]

On Tuesday, I’ll be at @moma in conversation with Paola Antonelli. More details: http://bit.ly/DapperDanMoMATalk

[dapperdanofharlem]

The biggest lie that a man ever tells is the one that he tells himself. No matter what I had to go through, I always knew that I had to be true to the man in the mirror or else I would not be happy. “A dream deferred” is not a dream denied. With a new year brings a new beginning. See you in 2018.

📝: Atelier first look via @GQ

📷: Renell Mendrano

Read here: https://www.gq.com/story/gucci-dapper-dan-atelier-harlem

[dapperdanofharlem]

l went from selling clothes on a table on the sidewalks of Harlem, now l’m on my own giant billboard on a rooftop in Harlem. l went from having holes in my shoes as a child, now l wear @gucci loafers. l came from the poorest neighborhood in Harlem, now l have a brownstone in Harlem. l never had a desire to move away and be by the rich people, now they are moving by me. l always believed in me and l always believed in Harlem—and l thank GOD for that.

[dapperdanofharlem]

Miss Info filled the house for WeWork’s #CreatorAwards. Attendance reached standing-room only to hear about the culture. She did a masterful job interviewing me—she really knows the history of the movement and asked all the right questions. On behalf of all the people who love the culture, I salute her, and look forward to teaming up with her again.

[dapperdanofharlem]

This is a Harlem dream. I remember rocking second-hand clothing as a kid and sneaking into the back door of Apollo Theatre. It is so cool to now have been featured on @conan this week, and to have dressed Conan and myself in a classic Harlem swag look—from head to toe in @gucci as we took the stage at The Apollo.

Watch it here:

Full episode: http://bit.ly/DapperDanOnConan

Segment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opBTM0Cj2Pw

[dapperdanofharlem]

Growing up in Harlem, @EbonyMag was the first publication that showed me how dignified and cultured people of color could be. I am so honored to be included in the 2017 #EbonyPower100.

Read more: http://www.ebony.com/power100-2017/

[dapperdanofharlem]

On Friday, November 3rd, I will be speaking at Fashionista.com's “How To Make It In Fashion” Conference (#FashionistaCon). This is a 1-day event featuring career-focused panels, keynote speakers, mentoring sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. The price of admission for this conference is $299, but I will be giving away 10 tickets for free. I look forward to creating an opportunity for anyone who is passionate about fashion and committed to putting in the work. In order to enter for a chance to win a ticket, you must “like” this post on Instagram, tag five friends down below in its comments, be following me on Instagram, and submit your application at http://www.bit.ly/DapperDanFashionistaConGiveaway.

[dapperdanofharlem]

It was a double-header in Chicago with two sold-out venues. Chicago Ideas was a great testimony to the power of cultural fashion and the impact that the streets have had on the catwalk.