Dapper Dan has now spoken out about the controversy surrounding Gucci and Prada after the brands faced backlash for creating products that resembled blackface caricatures. Previously, the likes of T.I. and Spike Lee called for boycotts of the fashion houses until they made changes that properly reflected an effort to represent consumers of color. Now, the legendary Harlem designer, who came to prominence in the 80s and 90s for his cultural adaptations of such brands, has provided a proposition toward such aspirations.
"I am a Black man before I am a brand," Dapper Dan wrote in a messsge on social media. "Another fashion house has gotten it outrageously wrong. There is no excuse nor apology that can erase this kind of insult."
Dan went on to explain that he will be meeting with Gucci's CEO in Harlem to discuss the topic of inclusivity in fashion.
"The CEO of Gucci has agreed to come from Italy to Harlem this week to meet with me, along with members of the community and other industry leaders. There cannot be inclusivity without accountability. I will hold everyone accountable."
Previously, Dapper Dan has collaborated with Gucci on a hip-hop capsule collection, with the fashion house even helping him reopen his atelier in Harlem.