Gap to Dap: Coutourier Dapper Dan brings the spirit of Harlem to everyday staples

Gap introduces Western-inspired pieces designed in collaboration with the artist

Daniel R. Day, popularly known as Dapper Dan, has made significant strides in the fashion industry. From establishing his boutique in Harlem, New York, navigating through legal challenges, styling hip-hop luminaries, to partnering with Gucci and gracing the Met Gala, his influence on fashion is profound.

Renowned for his luxurious streetwear aesthetic, the 79-year-old couturier infuses the essence of Harlem into contemporary urban essentials through his collaboration with American apparel retailer Gap for its spring collection.

Expanding beyond hoodies, the collection ventures into new product categories such as head-to-toe Western-inspired denim ensembles and accessories, offering customers a broader spectrum of wardrobe choices.

“At certain points in history, the hoodie had been used to represent the dark side of our culture, so this partnership with Gap presents it in a way that shows you can wear a hoodie and be fly, be international, and elegant,” said Dapper Dan. “This new installation also symbolizes universal love and unity. You’ll see every single piece of this collection was created with love and intention down to the updated logo stitched inside each garment. We are in the present preparing for the future because this brand, this collaboration, is about bringing everybody together. We were some of the original cowboys. But we are also the faces of the world to come — we are the urban cowboys.”

Aside from the logo hoodies, the collection features notable elements such as wordplay on Gap to Dap. It encompasses various styles across different product categories, including an embroidered cotton Oxford shirt, a houndstooth icon denim jacket paired with straight-fit pants, an ascot scarf, and a spacious tote bag adorned with the Dapper Dan motif.

The spring collection is now available on Gap stores