Gucci Teams Up With Dapper Dan To Open Harlem Atelier
The shop is an homage to Dapper Dan's famed Harlem boutique which closed in 1992
Photo: Renell Medrano
Dapper dan
Back in May, the internet accused Gucci of knocking off a jacket included in its Cruise 2018 collection. The design in question was a fur bomber with balloon sleeves logoed in Gucci's signature G's that looked a whole lot like a jacket designed by Harlem couturier Dapper Dan in the '80s.
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Soon after, the fashion house responded to backlash on Instagram stating the jacket was an "homage" to Dapper Dan and his legendary hip-hop fashion. Then in September, Dapper Dan himself appeared in a Gucci menswear campaign and it was announced that the two would partner up to bring back the tailor's famed Harlem boutique that was shut down in 1992.
Now, a first look inside the Gucci x Dapper Dan Harlem atelier is finally here. The 4,700 square-foot space, featuring both a storefront and an atelier studio, is nestled in a brownstone on Lenox Ave in Harlem. Opening in January, the shop will operate by appointment only and allow shoppers to have bespoke garments designed by Dapper Dan using Gucci raw materials, fabrics, prints, embroidered patches, and hardware.
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Inside the Gucci x Dapper Dan Harlem Atelier. Photo: Renell Medrano
Dapper dan x gucci
"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," Dapper Dan said in a statement from the brand.
According to a release from Gucci, the collaborative project is inspired "Made in Italy meets Made in Harlem and the 1980s meets 2018."
Inside the Gucci x Dapper Dan Harlem Atelier. Photo: Renell Medrano
Dapper dan x gucci
The atelier studio isn't the only project between the Italian fashion house and the Harlem-based couturier in the works. Along with the store, a Gucci x Dapper Dan capsule collection will be included as part of Gucci's Fall 2018 collection.
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.
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