Dapper Dan Bio | Wiki
Dapper Dan (Full name: Daniel Day) is an African American fashion designer and haberdasher from Harlem, New York. His influential store, Dapper Dan’s Boutique, operated from 1982 to 1992 and is most associated with introducing high fashion to the hip-hop world.
Dapper’s clients over the years include Eric B. & Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, and Jay-Z. In 2017, he launched a fashion line with Gucci, with which he opened a second store and atelier, Dapper Dan’s of Harlem, in 2018. He is included in Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020.
Dapper Dan Age
Dapper was born on August 8, 1944, in New York, New York, United States. He is 78 years old.
Dapper Dan Height
He is a man of average stature and stands at a height of 5 ft 9 in (Approx. 1.75 m).
Dapper Dan Family
He was born in Harlem, New York to his parents Robert Day and Lily Day. Dapper was born at home with his grandmother as a midwife. He grew up on 129th and Lexington Avenue alongside his three brothers and three sisters. His father served as a civil servant and his mother as a homemaker. Dapper’s family lived in a three-bedroom apartment.
He recalls horses and buggies still on the streets in his early childhood, in the post-World War II days of Manhattan. By age 13, Dapper was a skilled gambler, his success as a gambler helped him finance his first store.
Dapper Dan Wife
Dapper has eight children with seven women two of them are with his wife June Francis. They include William Long, Daniel Day Jr., Danique Day, Aisha Day, Danielle Day, Malik Day, Tiffany White, and Jelani Day. Jelani is the brand manager for his father.
Dapper Dan Education
After listening to Malcom X speech, Dapper became tired of the streets. Malcom X said, “If you want to understand the flower, study the seed.” This prompted Dapper to indulge in studying at the Countee Cullen Library. He soon went back to school and entered an academic program sponsored by the Urban League and Columbia University.
In the 1960s, Dapper worked for a Harlem newspaper called Forty Acres and a Mule, as he initially wanted to become a writer. During this time he went through a lifestyle change and became a vegetarian. From 1968–74, he toured Africa as part of the Columbia University and the Urban League academic program.
Dapper Dan Gucci
In 2017, Dapper launched a fashion line with Gucci, with which he opened a second store and atelier, Dapper Dan’s of Harlem, in 2018. He noticed designers like Louis Vuitton and Gucci were only designing bags, wallets, and luggage out of leather, but he wanted to make garments out of leather.
This is what essentially inspired him to make his infamous jacket for Diane Dixon. In 2017, with the support of Michele and Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri, Dapper and the Italian brand partnered for a line of men’s wear. He opened a new atelier on Lenox Avenue in partnership with Gucci, Dapper of Harlem, the first luxury house fashion store in Harlem in 2018.
In May 2019, Gucci released a limited edition of Dapper’s Harlem. Gucci Garden Gallery in Florence references Dapper and the infamous jacket. He is now a board member for reviewing applications for the Gucci Changemakers North America Scholarship program
Dapper Dan Clothing
Dapper opened Dapper Dan’s Boutique in 1982 on 125th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues. It was at times open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dapper approached his designs through personal experience, specifically from his previous jobs. He originally planned to be a clothing wholesaler but soon faced prejudice as he ventured out.
Dapper’s first boutique was about the size of a grocery store, where clients would come in late after clubbing/partying. His illegal use of logos in his custom-made designs led to counterfeiting raids and litigation, and ultimately the demise of his first store.
In 1992, after legal action by Fendi and then-U.S. Attorney Sonia Sotomayor, Dapper’s store was shut down for good. He was shunned by the mainstream fashion world for decades, though he continued to work “underground” as a designer. He began outfitting undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather in 1999.
Dapper Dan Movie
In September 2016, prior to the premiere of the Netflix original series Luke Cage, Dapper was featured in part of the “Street Level Hero” digital social video series to discuss Luke Cage, which is set in Harlem. He subsequently appeared in two episodes of the series, one in the first season and one in the second, playing himself.
In November 2017, Dapper appeared in a segment on Conan for Conan O’Brien’s stay at the Apollo Theater in which he styled the talk show host. His memoir was published by Random House in 2019. Sony Pictures has already bought the rights to a film adaptation, with comedian Jerrod Carmichael attached as screenwriter and producer. Dapper will serve as executive producer of the film
Dapper Dan Net Worth
He earns his wealth from his career, therefore, he has amassed a fortune over the years. Dapper’s estimated net worth is $10 million.
Is Dapper Dan Married
He has eight children with seven women two of them are with his wife June Francis. They include William Long, Daniel Day Jr., Danique Day, Aisha Day, Danielle Day, Malik Day, Tiffany White, and Jelani Day.