Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem

A Memoir

De: Daniel R. Day

Narrado por: Omari Hardwick, Daniel R. Day

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Dapper Dan is a legend, an icon, a beacon of inspiration to many in the Black community. His story isn’t just about fashion. It’s about tenacity, curiosity, artistry, hustle, love, and a singular determination to live our dreams out loud.”—Ava DuVernay, director of Selma, 13th, and A Wrinkle in Time

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY VANITY FAIR • DAPPER DAN NAMED ONE OF TIME’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

With his now-legendary store on 125th Street in Harlem, Dapper Dan pioneered high-end streetwear in the 1980s, remixing classic luxury-brand logos into his own innovative, glamorous designs. But before he reinvented haute couture, he was a hungry boy with holes in his shoes, a teen who daringly gambled drug dealers out of their money, and a young man in a prison cell who found nourishment in books. In this remarkable memoir, he tells his full story for the first time.

Decade after decade, Dapper Dan discovered creative ways to flourish in a country designed to privilege certain Americans over others. He witnessed, profited from, and despised the rise of two drug epidemics. He invented stunningly bold credit card frauds that took him around the world. He paid neighborhood kids to jog with him in an effort to keep them out of the drug game. And when he turned his attention to fashion, he did so with the energy and curiosity with which he approaches all things: learning how to treat fur himself when no one would sell finished fur coats to a Black man; finding the best dressed hustler in the neighborhood and converting him into a customer; staying open twenty-four hours a day for nine years straight to meet demand; and, finally, emerging as a world-famous designer whose looks went on to define an era, dressing cultural icons including Eric B. and Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Mike Tyson, Alpo Martinez, LL Cool J, Jam Master Jay, Naomi Campbell, and Jay-Z.

By turns playful, poignant, thrilling, and inspiring, Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem is a high-stakes coming-of-age story spanning more than seventy years and set against the backdrop of an America where, as in the life of its narrator, the only constant is change.

Praise for Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem

“Dapper Dan is a true one of a kind, self-made, self-liberated, and the sharpest man you will ever see. He is couture himself.”—Marcus Samuelsson, New York Times bestselling author of Yes, Chef

“What James Baldwin is to American literature, Dapper Dan is to American fashion. He is the ultimate success saga, an iconic fashion hero to multiple generations, fusing street with high sartorial elegance. He is pure American style.”—André Leon Talley, Vogue contributing editor and author

Textbook for the Ages

As a hip hop kid we loved Dapper Dan. He exemplifies style and savoir -faire. The book provides a guidance map into the ingenuity of entrepreneurship, the purpose of Spirituality and the importance of relationship building. Buy this book for your children to hear how you become a Master of your life.

Memoir junkie

This is one of the best read and performed memoirs! I’ve learned so much and took notes-thanks for sharing your story, Dapper Dan!

I couldn't stop listening!

I truly enjoyed listening to Dapper Dan's memoir! I couldn't stop listening to this book. Omari Hardwick's reading was very engaging and the emotion he shared was felt behind each and every word. I learned so much about Dap and have so much respect for him. A must read to those who enjoy the wisdom of those that have come before us!

Incredible and inspirational book!

I absolutely loved this book. I knew about Dapper Dan and knew many people who wore his clothes. It was great hearing his story read by Omari!

An Amazing Read!!

I truly enjoyed this book narrated by none other (Ghost). This book tells the story of so many in the beginning of urban life but ends where few have the mindset to finish. It's a great book about a great legend!!