From Harlem To The Oscars, Dapper Dan Teams UP with Salma Hayek #FTW

Words by Nick Slay

Visit streaming.thesource.com for more information

Harlem’s own king of haberdashery, the maestro of bespoke, aka resident aficionado of style, Dapper Dan dressed Salma Hayek for this years Oscars and it drips black excellence.

For any designer, having a Hollywood A-Lister wear your frock on the red carpet is definitely considered to be a win. Dapper Dan is no exception. The Hip-Hop fashion icon is already having an epic 2017-18 with this epic partnership with the Gucci brand and so this red carpet shout out, just was icing on the cake.

@SalmaHayek wore the most important outfit of the night. It wasn’t because she is absolutely stunning—because she is. It wasn’t because it was the best outfit of the night—because it wasn’t. It’s not because it was @Gucci, nor is it because it was made by #DapperDan. No. It was the most important because it sent a message to my pen pals in the favelas of Brazil, and in Soweto, South Africa, and in every ghetto in the world where people are trying to find a way to “make it from The Corner to the rest of the world.” It is important because they know that my story is their story, and that if someone of Salma’s stature would wear something of mine, then they, too, can be a designer. #Harlem

A post shared by Dapper Dan (@dapperdanharlem) on Mar 5, 2018 at 11:24am PST

Styling one of the most recognizable Latina stars, Salma Hayek is more than a big deal.

Dapper Dan’s hard work definitely proves the point that representation matters, so when Hayek wore this stunning pink number it’s kind of a big deal. It’s also to significant to note that this dress is a Gucci by Dapper Dan dress. In an open letter Dan addressed his fellow creatives of color of what this dress really means. It speaks to the ability that any young designer can also aspire to this moment, that this dream now too is accessible.

This piece not only served as a billboard for Dapper Dan, which it literally did, as his name is embroidered in jewels across the back; it also shows a star of Hayek’s caliber showing off to the world their pride in wearing a black designer. It’s a common occurrence for well known or successful designer to be tapped by a major brand to style collections or pieces for events or seasons, so seeing a resident of America’s most famous black neighborhood, speaks volumes of Dan’s ability to reach black consumers as well as influence consumers of other demographics as well.

Gucci posted this to their Twitter:

.@salmahayek Pinault wore a custom #Gucci lurex GG jacket and floor length skirt with crystal trim detail and ‘DAPPER DAN’ embroidery on the back, and a clutch with crystal feline closure to the #VFOscars party. #GucciDapperDan @DapperDanHarlem #Oscars @VanityFair pic.twitter.com/3kJbmHkp5g

— gucci (@gucci) March 5, 2018