Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem: A Memoir

I started reading as soon as the book arrived and just couldn’t put it down. Such a fascinating and inspiring memoir. Whether or not you know anything about fashion and whether or not you’re familiar with Dapper Dan, his story is one that everyone should read. Highly recommended.

Dan, if you read this review, thanks for your insight and encouragement. Your breakfast club interview motivated me to purchase your book. During your interview you reminded me of an FOI old timer who used to advise me on life. I encourage anyone who's open minded to purchase this book. Like his clothing, Dan isn't for everybody but represents a culture that is too often misunderstood. If you know, you know.Many great book were mentioned in this book as well.Thanks

This book is great! I learned so much about the life of Dapper Dan that I had no clue about. I do not want to spoil any parts of this book but it definatey fills in the generational gap in the Black community. I knew about some of the events going on in the past but my uncles and family members concealed alot of information from us in hopes we didnt fall down that same path. This book fills in a huge block of information for me and details the pitfuls so I can avoid making the same mistake! We need more inspirational figures to step forward in our community to do the same to help inspire the youth so Random House yall need to do memoirs on everyone lol! Im so blessed to read this book because I am a graphic designer and its given me motivation to keep on pushing! Thank you for your Memoir Dapper Dan!

I liked the memories of NYC that Dap talked about and how it brought me back to some of my suppressed memories of where I came from. I left NYC several months after the Mike Tyson and Mitch Green fight which the news spread to Jamaica Queens several hours before it hit the press. I recall riding the subway to the Mandala Center as a kid in the early 80’s to pay my bill and “Somehow Find Myself!” And looking at the art in the abandoned stations along the way, some of the gangs in the subway still wore Lee Jeans Jackets wither their Logos on the back. I’m very lucky they picked other people to rob(I have suppressed those memories) the days I saw them. The strung out people I saw after exiting the Triborough Bridge(driving with a permit then) and how much potential they had in their eyes but also with their same look how much pain they showed. Too much to even list, before I finished Dap’s book I said to myself: “How did I make it this far and why me???” Thank you Dap for also reminding me that one must never relax!!! “We are being Hustled Every Day” and just when we think 2016 is going to be a good year reflect on the years gone by...

This is an excellent book. Those seeking fashion will find enough, but Mr. Day clearly has a command of good writing from his feverish interest in books and history as a reporter. Without his fashion success this would still be a well written and compelling book about a man in the crucible of Renaissance Harlem cataloguing a historic time in American history from a deeply personal and poignant perspective.

Two quotes cited in the pages of Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem'…the most dangerous black man in America [is] the ghetto hustler…[he] has less respect for the white power structure…is internally restrained by nothing: no religion, no concept of morality, no civic responsibility, no fear…he is out there constantly preying upon others, probing for any human weakness…' quoted from The Autobiography of Malcolm X.“Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor.” --- James BaldwinAttempting to escape the vicious cycle of poverty and bigotry in America by sheer gut determination is a major part of Daniel Day’s life story as it was for Malcolm X and James Baldwin.Practically three quarters of his memoir is a gripping tale of Day’s street hustles: dice, drugs, credit card “re-makes” (fascinating!). Finally, he finds his Fashion niche and, for a while, stays below the radar of Gucci and Louis Vuitton whose logos he is exploiting. Bravo to Dapper Dan for surviving and writing this riveting memoir!

I thoughrouly enjoyed this book.Dapper Dan -whom I will refer to from this point as Mr. Day- gives his readers a chance to expericene life in the years past through his eyes growing up in Harlem.There are a myriad of life lessons Mr. Day shares, he not only talks about his triumphs but also share his defeats and regrets in life; that stuck with me the most.Without giving too much away, I think the life and experiences Mr. Day had alone is enough reason to read this book, whether you're a fan of his or not.

Dapper Dan is a hiphop legend. To read his story, his childhood amd inspirations was an honor. I would recommend this book to hip hop lovers and historians, but also lovers of fashion, and those working inside the industry.To hear how such an iconic move thinks and plans or doesnt plan his next move, to sit with Mr Dapper, was like listening to a successful elder give gems of not only life, culture, and fashion, but of life amd survival.Also interesting was the mention of Justice Sotomayor whom in her books speaks of her early law career in the fashion/trademark world. To read the artiste perspective was interesting.Whether one agrees or not with Mr Dappers perspective on what his styling amd designs were, be it trademark infringement or custom design, to walk with him through the times, era, and culture of the 40s through modern business and culture, is a widening of understanding and reasoning in humanity and business. He did what he did because resources were few. He is who he is because he made resources where there otherwise were none. Nothing but respect.

This books is essential. Gripping, insightful, and incredibly written. And original voice and a true storyteller.

Great item description and great value, along with fast shipping! Highly recommended! : )

This book had me griped and also helped me to plan out my own business

Fantastic read! What a life!!!

Amazing! Sad to turn the final page.