In the 1980s, Harlem-born Dapper Dan redefined high fashion for the streets in by taking the hustler style into mainstream. Bypassing the fashion system, Dapper Dan created hybrids of that purported to be designer fashion but were infused with his own unique style.
Dapper Dan of Harlem, Olympic Gold Medalist Diane Dixon
in Mohogany Fur and Louis Vuitton Leather Jackest, 1980s. Image courtesy of Dapper Dan of Harlem.