Harlem Couturier, Dapper Dan, collaborates with Gucci for its Menswear Tailoring Campaign - Men's Folio
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Harlem Couturier, Dapper Dan, collaborates with Gucci for its Menswear Tailoring Campaign

  • By Men's Folio

Dapper Dan: from Harlem to runway. 

More than just a face for Gucci’s menswear tailoring campaign, Daniel Day, better known as Dapper Dan of Harlem has been a fashion icon since the 80s. Dressing the likes of RUN DMC’, ‘Follow the leader’ and Olympic Gold medallist Diane Dixon, the African-American go-getter has garnered respect from the hip-hop community, and now Italian Maison: Gucci. 

Famous for its design outlaws, the couturier splices up logos from European houses like Louis Vuitton and remixes them onto his tailoring techniques. His knowledge of street culture and luxury fashion has caught the attention of Alessandro Michele, who has reached out to Dan for a collaboration after paying homage to the Harlem tailor as seen on his Cruise S/S 18 show. 

 

Set against the Harlem neighbourhood, photographer Glen Luchford celebrates Dapper Dan’s story capturing the designer’s debonair personality and cultural legacy. The images depict the streets of Harlem: where children play on the sidewalks, dodging spouting fire hydrants and enjoying skipping games.

A symbolic image features the famous Apollo Theatre— a Harlem landmark. This historic music hall, which became the Apollo in 1934, has hosted performances by Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Prince and Michael Jackson.

The campaign will break in October across print, digital and outdoor media worldwide.

 Creative Director: Alessandro Michele

Art Director: Christopher Simmonds

Photographer: Glen Luchford