Inside the Multi-Million Dollar Gucci Atelier in Harlem with Dapper Dan | HYPEBEAST Visits

For the latest episode of HYPEBEAST Visits, we went inside the workspace of a man who hardly needs any introduction: Harlem’s own Dapper Dan. The OG DIY couturier, Dan entered an official partnership with Gucci in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since - the past two years have seen the 74 year-old designer developing his atelier into a palace of lavish Guccification, able to turn out any bespoke creation his clients desire.
“Each floor in this building is a million dollars,” Dan begins, explaining that everything from the chairs to the textiles that he stores in his studio are imported directly from Italy. He also shows off his favorite appliqué, a gem-studded lion, as he shows off lush textiles that he’s used to dress everyone from Regina Hall to Karlie Kloss.
Sure, the building was used as a set for American Gangster, and Dan rubs elbows with wealthy clientele on a near-constant basis, but he hasn’t forgotten his roots. “We welcome the community,” he says, gesturing around the lower floor. “They can come here - bring their family here, lounge here - and then we take ‘em over here,” showcasing a wall packed with photographs from Dan’s history. Famous friends like JAY-Z to Floyd Mayweather along with images of a much younger Dan and original clientele like LL Cool J.
Take an inside look at Dan’s Harlem workspace above.

[@sixties.]

"Get in The Game, And Demand Your Place" ....absolutely brilliant

[@dadedon305]

Kenneth how is that brilliant?

[@FlightDreamZExtoicz]

@@dadedon305 u wouldn't understand if u not trying brand anything u crafted made by you bro

[@Marco-717]

Lol you're into cliche things huh

[@bgimusic]

💯

[@bgimusic]

Marco CB some of the simplest things are the most real PERIODT

[@kajm13]

Dapper Dan came through six decades and still here. The real dapper don.

[@scratchandsip]

I agree with you 💯

[@Toni-id2pv]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💕 Facts

[@Pimpishone]

It's simply because he's doing what he loves that's causing him not to age, he's not going against or setting his passion aside he's letting it flow in freely.

[@josiahgold]

Bet

[@doriang.r.e.y.1221]

I'm trying to live by that!

[@intrinsiccinema7374]

thats is the difference

[@c0wboys4life]

And the no facial hair and bald head helps out too

[@tantrarojo44]

Very few people is able to do what they really love. Such passion on his voice

[@sorenadix6411]

Thank you, Gucci, for helping Dapper Don keep Harlem, & Black culture IN Harlem, alive. 🙏

[@KillahManjaro]

Gucci is just out for themselves. Dapper Dan better be careful. A company like Gucci hasn't last this long for a reason.

[@boowtbwj1194]

I SEE UR POINT ALL THESE YEARS NOW A PRESENT FOR U DAPPER DAN FROM GUCCI.....NO I HOPE THERE IS A JOINT VENTURE DEAL BESIDES A PARTICIPATION OR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT AS TO % OF SALES FOR U DAPPER DAN ACCRUED GOING FORWARD FOR THE LEGACY OF YOUR FAMILY DAPPER DAN.... THIS IS CORPORATE BUSINESS HERE.... FOR U WERE DOING THIS WAY BEFORE GUCCI AND FRIENDS HENCE SHUT YOU DOWN NOT WANTING U AROUND....UP!!! REVERSE THIS DAPPER DAN CAN WE TALK AND WALK WITH U NOW WITH THE MARSHALS WE MADE A BIG MISTAKE......WELCOME TO THE BILLION $$$$$$$$$ GUCCI FAMILY....YEAH RIGHT..DAPPER DAN U CARVED YOUR NICHE IN THE MARKETPLACE. AGAIN AS CURTIS MAYFIELD WOULD SAY JUST KEEP ON PUSHIN...YOU PEOPLE WHO ARE DARKER THAN BLUE... FOR YOUR A WINNNER TAKE A HARLEM GLOBAL BOW DAPPER DAN.... JUST KEEP ON PUSHIN.... jb.shalom

[@nda6228]

Imagine if white people started praising white culture and accomplishments

[@robertoelprezidente3590]

@@nda6228 the appraisal of white history and culture is all throughout American history, colonialism etc we are indoctrinated into European culture... seems to me that the fact that someone praised black culture made you feel some kinda way...deal with it.

[@nda6228]

Roberto Elprezidente not at actually lol there’s nothing wrong with it I don’t believe in discriminating, you can just say, culture... people label and separate too much nowadays and wonder why shits not getting better

[@supadave422]

Legend! Everything in that building and on him is fly AF

[@rollsroyce7385]

supadave422 facts....

[@michael2305]

He got a real dope connection. That's what loyalty and commitment gets you.

[@luckylu9780]

Yes it is im from Arkansas I live in Virginia now he makes me want to go to Harlem and ill be going there in the next couple of months I going to make sure I go see the street were this man create his masterpieces he is clean that man know how to dress luxury at its finest he needs to be in the designer hall of fame hes on another level.

[@user-el4su7tl6f]

​@@luckylu9780did u go?

[@mscottbain]

My first Gucci piece has to come from Dapper Dan 💯

[@somebodywhocares9293]

A str8 up HUSTLER. A self-made man. Well done.

[@Velvetlighteclipse]

Dapper Dan is so inspirational . He will forever be one of my favorite designers

[@SweaterSwagg]

Everybody please buy Dapper Dan's new autobiography! I'm reading it and so far it's really great. This man is such an inspiration, shout out to him! 🙏💗

[@robcrossley6075]

I was a teenager in the 80’s living in Jersey, our drug dealers who go over to Harlem and get these fly azz LV, Gucci, Fendi & MCM suits from DD, they even had customized designer logo Jeep spare tire covers. It seems like a long time ago but DD was waaay ahead of his time. History repeats its self and fashion is back to the those a fore mentioned logos . Make that $$$ brotha, you are bringing class to Harlem.

[@jimmydean9602]

Made his first suits out of Gucci bags lmao next level, wish I was around for it

[@NR-gp2il]

Harlem the New Brooklyn

[@defrocker0569]

I'm from Newark and i remember kats talking about Dapper Dan back in the mid 80's when i was in High School.

[@chinablanco8787]

Uhhh Harlem been classy b4 this. Ex. Millionaires Row. Gr8 authors. Gr8 Jazz musicians. All came out of Harlem and don't forget ALL THE ARTIST In the Harlem Renaissance. Please be knowledgeable b4 you say some bullshit. And I'm from Brooklyn.

[@zxcccccc1]

​@@chinablanco8787Most would hit Harlem before going to the other boroughs. I'm presently trying to document some of the history.

[@lexilootoyou9091]

Dapper Dan, been on his Gucci shhhh.... Along time. Lol the designer said I have 3 Emmys, okay but you still haven't walked the walk Dan has. True legend 💪💯👊

[@themodel05]

HE DIDN'T HAVE TO WALK THE PATH DAPPER DAN TOOK BECAUSE DAN WAS COUNTERFEITING FAKE GOODS. THIS DESIGNER/ STYLIST CARVED HIS OWN PATH AND IN THE SAME ARENA. DON'T KNOCK HIM BECAUSE OF WHAT HE SAID; YOU SHOULD CELEBRATE HIM BECAUSE HE MADE IT HONESTLY👌🏼

[@missshannon9790]

Wonder how Gucci mane feel about Mr. Dap and vice versa. He'll I wonder why Gucci haven't tried to sue HIM for copyright infringement and issue a cease and desist order barring him from using the word Gucci In his name. He'd just be Mane. 😊

[@KeyMillz850]

Dapper Dan: "This is an upcoming stylist" Stylist: "UPCOMING.... I then got 3 Emmys" 😂😂😂

[@scratchandsip]

😂😂😂😲🤣

[@hornetbrown]

Dapper Dan well deserves. A trendsetter by far. Harlem's baby.

[@Josh-lz4wr]

i live like 4 blocks from there and i see him every week lmfao he so nice

[@RebeccaDenver]

Thank you Gucci for your kindness toward this incredible human

[@daboe0909]

I'm having at jacket designed by him AT THIS VERY MOMENT!!! I went in for my 2nd fitting yesterday, I got another one in 2 weeks after that I pick it up and with that I will have achieved one of my life long goals!!!

[@fatimar.parrilla-houston3266]

I wanted to work for Dapper Dan back in the late 80’s so bad but my mom told me no cause she thought I would be around nothing but guys 24/7 and I was coming all the way from Brooklyn !!! She’s gone now but I could have been a big part of history 😩❤️💯 I Still want meet you Dapper Dan 👑🙋🏽‍♀️😇👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 God Bless you Brother🙌🏽

[@myleolife6002]

I could listen to his stories all day! And wake up and keep hearing them again! Legend

[@albs5623]

Such an inspiration. His confidence. His aura. His tone.

[@Apolloneek]

One of the greats I love about dap is how accessible he is being a normal man put and about everyone calling him uncle or dad or bro cause hes got real love and the fact it took Gucci 20 years and a racist backlash for them to give him his due is upfront

[@michaelbeckford6483]

HARD TO BELIEVE THAT BROTHER IS 74 YEARS YOUNG!

[@darealphantom]

Salute to uncle Dap he's finally getting recognition and credit for being great & this is awesome! I've passed it a few times and wanna go inside so bad

[@gld8rone309]

Gucci + Dapper Dan = A great business relationship for all parties involved. Don’t sit on the sideline and complain, find out how to get involved. I respect Dapper Dan and appreciate Gucci for acknowledging his worth and showing him love.

[@nubiaguevara4212]

He’s a talented man ! Living his best life

[@linnyw1072]

This is the type of support he has deserved all along

[@mashion8283]

Wish Dan had his own line 100% owned by him so I can purchase stuff.

[@JalilSlade]

i agree with mashion id rather see a dapper dan clothing line fuck gucci

[@cbshine]

Soon come

[@jaygio]

@Truth Factor too bad hes a Mason? What the fuck does that even mean? You guys need to stop with this nonsense, as though Dapper Dan has any links to prominent families. You saying that was probably one of the dumbest things I've heard someone say in a while that tried to actually sound smart like they were dropping some real knowledge here....

[@alexuemura2353]

but isn’t his whole thing taking the logos off existing brands and making them his own clothes?

[@dr.100purrscent5]

I agree. The only reason why Gucci was fly to many was because they had Dapper Dan on deck. It was the smartest move they made. But he needs a line that is completely his own.

[@raglansleeves1965]

I just got inspired, so happy I watched this, I can move on now.

[@jayblack908]

Raglan Sleeves 💯💯💯

[@m.abrought8784]

Yessss!!!!! 💪🏾

[@jimmydean9602]

Read this man's book !! True definition of a hustler, a real inspiration.

[@yittleloveryi1501]

Much respect for NY! Daddy Dan and thank you so much for not killing him and allowing him to make a positive impact in his community! I know the History of what happens when someone get's too big for his britches. Thank you so much for just still being here.. I am showing this video to all my siblings right now... History will humble you!

[@motorheadz3803]

That man deserves so much respect glad he got that from Gucci hope he gets paid what he deserves they made millions off him mentoring is important sir legend

[@Jamilah1117]

That ‘upcoming’ stylist is the key stylist for Robin Roberts on GMA, Diandre Tristan. He does great work. 👍🏾

[@TabsStudio18]

Im a big fan of Mr. Dap D my grandfather use to travel from chicago to get custom fits by this man, long before Rappers did. I have a genuine respect for this man. When I read that Gucci finally gave him what they feel he deserved, I did feel some kind of way, because Gucci, and other high end designers had been stealing his designs and reproducing them because he didn’t have his designs copy writing, etc. this man has pure talent, You can call me bias but I think he deserves so much more. I feel like Gucci, Hermes, Fendi, LV uses black face to sell.

[@VancouverCatDogLover]

There’s very few people that can take bootleg fabrics turn them into better silhouettes than the actual designer, get so much hype from it that the actual designer (Gucci) creates a partnership with you to create his own atelier studio in his home base. Dapper Dan is a legendary designer

[@dianahellenthal3809]

All my resoect for this elegant Gentleman,i Love GUCCI!!!!

[@haroldwilliams322]

After studying your career I wish you would’ve got your just due earlier but everything happens for reason. Congrats, and can’t wait to see what’s next

[@tytinanium]

He is a legend and a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about Harlem....

[@marylenehall8088]

He has so much passion it really shows in his work.🙌🏽

[@lalajohnson7194]

I've read Dapper Dan's Book. It was well written from start to finish. This man doesn't talk game, he made the rules.

[@delbertmcintosh9012]

The book was awesome..

[@hoodshowhiphop1992]

Mr. Dapper Dan, you are a Class Act!! Never forgetting where you came from World Class designer and best of all coming from Harlem.

[@Bobbytheman98]

Gucci need to make him a Creative Director

[@awges]

Absolutely not

[@kuso5948]

Art Vandelay shut your fucking mouth

[@navyforeveryoungjean-phili5940]

Bobbytheman98 no the hell they don’t

[@muhammada5560]

Navyforeveryoung Jean-Philippe yes the hell they do

[@andrewwilliams9743]

You said it best Dapper Dan -You have to get in the game and demand your place in the game -. ☮ Peace and love from 🇨🇦. Kingston Ontario to be on point. Living Legend

[@triggb71]

That's almost laughable considering the fact that he's been doing this fashion thing at a high level for damn near 40 years and finally at the age of 75 Gucci calls on him after black folks finally got tired of them disrespecting us and boycotted their asses! I don't see where he "demanded his place" with Gucci, they just needed someone black who is popular and well respected to cool down the heat for them.

[@stephanquentin5455]

You guys could have made it a bit longer, better even but nonetheless I enjoyed

[@lkofie6670]

YES... I said the same thing in my initial post 😊.

[@ladyindaroom]

I bet that beautiful place smells sooooooo good. This man is beyond talented, he's gifted.

[@liveforever5066]

he deserved at LEAST 15 MINUTES THIS IS THEE LEGEND DAPPER DON. RESPECT FAM

[@chadbutler8634]

They knew that they got caught stealing from dan and dan would bring them that black dollar

[@nishamack586]

Bingo

[@lkofie6670]

Wow...first, I must say this is FANTASTIC, second, the video should have been longer, and third, I read his autobiography and enjoyed it and learned from his drive and lessons...it was a remarkable read, and lastly, I need to look into having an atelier just because...lol.

[@kt3513]

Why give him 4 minutes we 30 minutes +

[@evensbaptiste6415]

They have a whole documentary on Dapper Dan. Look it up its pretty good.

[@stevendalloesingh1214]

Even after he said that he has MORE STORIES! 🙌🏾

[@FlightDreamZExtoicz]

Right

[@mansamusa9077]

k t why ??? Why give DAP 4 minutes ....Because k t .....you ain’t getting a second of fame for this weak ass 30 second comment lol ... talking bout you 30 minutes+ ... lying ass lol 😂😂😂.... It might take you 30 minutes + to figure it out lol 😂

[@emcee1337]

30 years of bootlegging and now he's official

[@pedro7031]

He deserved it. Better late than never 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Mid20studio]

facts

[@boowtbwj1194]

NO 30 YEARS OF SURVIVAL MIXED IN THERE....WHICH MADE THIS MAN'S VISION SO CLEAR.......... AS CURTIS MAYFIELD WOULD SAY. JUST KEEP ON PUSHIN.. U PEOPLE WHO ARE DARKER THAN BLUE..... jb.shalom

[@jakespaceman2135]

Is it bootlegging when the actual brand STEALS YOU'RE DESIGNS for financial gain? Sounds like they were partners and didn't know it lol

[@boowtbwj1194]

@@jakespaceman2135 JAKE THIS IS NOTHING NEW IN THE WORLD OF COMMERCE GLOBALLY TODAY ESPECIALLY... ITS WHEN YOU GET CAUGHT DOING IT......THAT WHY YOU HAVE A COPYRIGHT TRADEMARK PATENT OFFICE.....AND COURTS. TO ENFORCE SEVERALLY AND U PAY THE PRICE... jb.shalom

[@alexandreatimms2950]

I♥️love Harlem♥️ can’t wait to visit!!! Thank you Dapper Dan💋👑💎🌟🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹#SaluteARealONE💯

[@vharv7498]

💖💖👏👏 Glad to see Gucci giving him his Recognition!! Which he Deserved!!💖💖 Much Respect Mr. Dapper!!

[@YoutubeBrand]

Dapper Dan, you re a true Icon!

[@orphemedianetwork9372]

we don't even know that gucci and louis vuitton are owned by french entrepreneurs but made and design by people like this nice OG , its time to be owners too

[@Roni62]

God bless you Dapper Dan!

[@choochoo2348]

We in Brooklyn use to run to dapper dans to get our jump suits from him

[@Slimm_Sheedah1]

My momma was born and raised in Harlem. I love coming back to nyc even just to smell the air in the summer, coming over the GWB.

[@vangoghmatisse1]

I wear Dapper Dan exclusively, GUCCI is his for the taking!

[@williampullins3022]

Number 1 on bucket list!!!!

[@mzprettiblacc1948]

I'm upset ....I would have loved to see a whole hour of a Dapper Dan tell his story 💯

[@chicwarriorbabe8513]

So inspiring.. This man needs a movie!

[@jamesmoore7350]

What a beautiful building! Wow!

[@francoisbariko120]

Passion always triumphs no matter what the outcome

[@PermanentHigh]

Dapper Dan got played. He should've opened his own clothing as soon as Gucci offered him a deal. What Gucci did was buy him out so that they dont have to compete with his designs. Great move by Gucci, but Dapper got finnessed.

[@miguelvazquez2177]

I didn’t really fuck with Gucci before this. Now I do. God bless dapper dan!

[@mightquinnable]

The legend🙏🏾

[@ronniewhitaker69]

Dapper Dan is a true og and a legend..

[@bkallday2998]

Dapper Dan Still the Man.....Bless! Harlem Stand Up!!!

[@Angela-qc1ex]

God bless you Mr DD I'm so happy for seeing you and your success it means a lot to me I hope to one day visit the area and enjoy some good food and beautiful fashion !!!

[@sheribrooks8205]

This is incredible! GOALS!!! Dress me, DAPPER DAN!!!

[@roxannemoore3659]

B4 Dapper Dan was famous he made a orange leather shorts set for me a vest like top for 300$ wore it so many times until I giv it away ❤

[@boondocks211]

its funny how gucci got mad at a black man for stealing there style when in all facts of life there where black men (moores) that bought clothes to Italy in the 1700.......🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾

[@diornde9704]

chris ramus that’s how they like to do it. Make the victim think he’s the suspect. Real niggas ain’t fallin for that goof, white people didn’t even know how to plant a damn vegetable seed 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@1diggitech]

Speak on it bro👌

[@robcrossley6075]

Speak on it

[@BtBxNugget]

wow.. that's us education at its finest. A kid from eu in high school probably knows more about history than your average us adult.

[@MiamiHeat305]

This was great needed to be longer tho

[@queallure4240]

Deadass

[@zuzumuzingomane8385]

"You gotta get in the GAME, and demand your place in the GAME"

[@chubrokkortiz4904]

You gotta respect dapper dan grind hustle and determination to be well known rich and do what he loves and enjoys doing respect my brother you are a true inspiration God bless

[@myyoutubepage199]

lmfao regina hall photo looked like she was upset . Love this guy though, he does amazing work.

[@jasminethomas8633]

Shout out to Jamel Shabazz book display on point!

[@junito1008]

Dapper Dan...a Real OG and GOAT !!

[@CaressLorthaya]

This nigga a OG. I love him he's so authentic

[@NewJerzey422531]

Nothing feels better than the level of respect you get from looking like money.

[@trenapier206]

That coat he made for Jigga was dope...

[@2012inshapenow]

This was definitely motivating!!!!💯💪🤘

[@1977icecream]

Love this man...Spits the REAL TALK 👊🏾

[@intrinsiccinema7374]

his own call act and he quotes you have to get in the game to demand your place in the game love it

[@GM-pw9vr]

2:30 When he says “MET GI-YALA” it sounds so New York. P.s. he could be a character on the Boondocks for sure.

[@OgeeThegodfather]

its a blessing to even hav this dude on footage an hearing him speak....

[@patriciaedmonds4228]

Thank you for being true to the game! You are the brother I wish I had. I appreciate you. May God continue to bless you more abundantly. You deserve it.

[@Jen-lc5yc]

This is beautiful.

[@gangsta11081]

Dapper Dan greatest of all time!!!! 🐐 🙏🏾🙏🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@bobbyj7904]

AWESOME AND EXTREMELY INSPIRATIONAL✨🙏🏾😊THANK YOU.✨

[@charlesficherwcoffeebreaks7521]

Shabbat Shalom Thank you Dapper Dan from Natchez

[@sehunyehetfeatchanyeolchog4751]

He inspire me so much

[@rafaellarkins405]

Damn the ultimate come up I'm proud of you brother ✊💣💥

[@crenshaw2.0]

Bro fly fly . I'm surprised he doesn't have his own gear etc.. now I wanna look him up. Forget Gucci I wan sum Dappa Dan mannnn

[@ympm5507]

Im completely in luv in Harlems community, and everyghing whats around em

[@Enamm82]

Dapper Dan's sunglasses are always unique...

[@MrThreescoops]

Dapper Dan is an amazing bloke. Total geezer.

[@_KeneYah]

This is an actual human?! I always thought *Dapper Dan* was just a hood-saying, meaning you were fresh 😅✌🏾😎

[@is1dre]

So incredible Dapper Dan. I love your style and would love to meet you one day.

[@malenalee7902]

Mr Dan is a national Treasure

[@TakeAsNeeded4Pain]

His shirt buttons don't line up with his belt and it's all I can think about.

[@ROBIEM97]

Nothing about the way he dresses is accidental, he probably has like 10 reasons

[@blucheez2686]

I’m so confused tonight... 🎶

[@mrj8301]

Blu Cheez what’s the song in the intro ??