When it comes to fashion, design, and influence on the culture, Daniel Day aka Dapper Dan is almost always mentioned. He is synonymous with all things fashionable and his designs were a staple for streetwear in the early 1980s. He designed custom fashions for everyone from Jay Z to Floyd Mayweather to Eric B. and Rakim. He recently joined forces with Gucci after a redesign of a jacket he created for Diane Dixon emerged as part of one of the brand’s  recent collections. He sat down with Paola Antonelli in the People’s Studio at the Museum of Modern Art for a panel conversation titled “Fashion, Style, and Society”.

The open-forum conversation with Dapper Dan included much detail into his travels and decision to design clothing. His eye-catching pieces are notorious for his knack for use of logos and markings from high-end luxury brands. Dapper Dan’s boutique became the place to be in Harlem and everyone would be spotted there being fitted for some of Dan’s fashions. After his 20-minute lecture, the floor was open for a lengthy Q&A session.

Whether it was picking out fabrics or using the required machinery, there is a lot of work that goes into design. Dan walked us through his processes and gave us an intimate look into how he came to be where he is today. The road wasn’t easy but hard work and persistence pay off. Dapper Dan just opened a new store, @Gucci by Dapper Dan in Harlem. The boutique is accessible by appointment only and Dan will create custom fashions and designs. There will be ready-to-wear items and accessories available for purchase.

The People’s Studio was filled to capacity. Attendees included a variety of tastemakers, designers, stylists, and fashion-forward fans that were excited to be in the presence of Mr. Day. After the panel, he took the time to speak with attendees one-by-one. Fashion, Style, and Society: A Conversation With Dapper Dan was an inspiring experience. Listening to Dapper Dan tell his story and how he came to be where he is today was truly a motivational and inspirational experience. Some of his work is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

If you missed the event, here’s a video courtesy of ABlackTV:

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