Meet Designer Dapper Dan

Before there was Karl Kani, Fubu, Rocawear, or any other urban wear designer, there was Dapper Dan. He was the first to bring high-end designer fashion and mix it with 80’s street culture. He sold custom made clothing to some of hip hop’s biggest influencers for thousands of dollars, even though they were counterfeit. He used fake fabrics from Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Gucci that were imported straight from Korea, and incorporated them into his designs.

His custom work could be purchased from his Harlem boutique on 125th street during the 1980s. He catered to Street Kings and rappers like Run DMC, Mike Tyson, Salt and Pepa, LL Cool J, Alpo, Rich Porter, Big Daddy Kane, and Biz Markie among others. “My customers were all gangsters, the rappers wanted to be like the gangsters. They would wait for the gangsters to leave the store then come in and ask what did the gangsters buy.” Dan’s boutique would stay open 24 hours over a span of 8 years.

Dapper Dan boutique’s storefront in Harlem.

In 1988, boxers Mike Tyson and Mitch Green crossed paths while one was entering and one was leaving Dan’s boutique, both were clients of his. Their encounter turned into a scuffle, bringing unwanted publicity to the Boutique.  The brands that refused to sell Dan their products, which included Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci sued him.

Dapper Dan with LL Cool J, circa 1987.

Jam Master Jay, of Run-D.M.C., circa 1986, on the set of “Tougher Than Leather.”

Olympic gold and silver medalist, Diane Dixon.

Salt-N-Pepa at a photoshoot for their label, Next Plateau, in 1988.

Dan used designer logos to create looks for people that otherwise would have never been available. With his style and original creations, Dapper Dan has been dubbed “Hip Hop’s Fashion godfather” who “planted the seed for fashion” in the music genre. His creations can be seen on the covers of hip hop albums from the ’80s. Dan’s designs have made a big impact in Hip Hop over the years, he’s has helped pave the way for urban designers after him.

Drug dealer Alberto (Alpo) Martinez in 1988.

Bobby Brown in a custom Gucci outfit that I made for him in 1988, right before he went on his first world tour as a solo artist to promote his album, “Don’t Be Cruel”.

For more information on Dapper Dan check out his Blog  here

Sources: Messynessychic/Complex/NewYorker