With his eponymous store on 125th Street in Harlem, Dapper Dan pioneered streetwear in the early 1980s by co-opting luxury branding from the likes of Louis Vuitton and MCM and designing original menswear with high-end detail—including exquisite leathers, furs, and skins. First drawing neighborhood hustlers and friends, Dan eventually outfitted rappers and other celebs of the time, such as Eric B & Rakim and Mike Tyson, to name a few. Now, nearly thirty years after entering the clothing game, Dan is plotting his return to the public eye. The reclusive designer recently sat down with Life +Times to discuss his career—alongside childhood friend Pee Wee Kirkland—retracing Harlem history in the process.
Erik R. Adler
Editorial Director
Erik Adler is the Editorial Director for GroundWave Media Group. He's what you might call 'Man Pretty'
Latest posts by Erik R. Adler (see all)
- Penfield ‘Kasson’ Mountain Parka - December 9, 2014
- Penfield ‘Outback’ Down Vest - December 9, 2014
- Video: “Limitless” Time-Lapse Graffiti by Sofles - December 9, 2014
