Harlem legend and fashion designer Daniel R. Day, better known as Dapper Dan, is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite being sued, blackballed and dismissed by top luxury fashion brands 30 years ago, he is now collaborating with them and forging a reputation as a tastemaker.
Dapper Dan realized he could make a lot of money by using luxury brand logos on his clothes. After going back to the books to learn about textile printing, Dapper Dan began to incorporate the logos of luxury fashion houses such as Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Gucci in his products. He would put his name on the tags, and soon word spread about his unique items.
As media attention grew, Fendi sued Day in 1992, claiming his use of their logo in his designs was trademark infringement. He lost the lawsuit, forcing him to close his store and go underground. During the '90s, he kept a low profile and his business became inactive. Other brands such as Puma and Gap are following the fashion trends that Dapper Dan long has been providing.