When Gucci sent a mink jacket down the runway for its cruise 2018 collection back in May, the Internet almost instantly realized that it was practically an exact replica of a design that Dapper Dan had created decades ago. Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele later revealed that he was paying homage to the legendary Harlem couturier and soon afterward, Gucci is teaming up with Dapper Dan for an upcoming colthing collection and even featured him in an ad campaign.
However, Gucci and Dapper Dan have just taken their relationship to the next level with another joint venture. While there were rumors earlier this year about the renonwed tailor reopening his beloved shop in Harlem where he hails from — it’s now official that Dapper Dan will have a new atelier backed by Gucci that will open in a historic brownstone in the uptown Manhattan neighborhood in January 2018.
Like in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Dapper Dan will use the studio to create custom garments but this time around, he’ll be doing it with the permission of the designer and will be supplied with “Gucci raw materials, fabrics, prints, embroidered patches and hardware” to make the one-of-a-kind pieces.
In a press release, Dapper Dan said, “Everyone paid homage to Dapper Dan, but no one ever paid him. The people have spoken and Gucci has listened. Nothing has been more significant in the Harlem cultural scene than Alessandro and Gucci coming to Harlem and partnering with Dapper Dan.”
While we can’t wait for the studio to open, we’re also looking forward to Gucci’s Fall 2018 collection, which will feature a Gucci x Dapper Dan capsule line.
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