New writing for the Costume Institute @metcostumeinstitute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: A personal reflection on the style icon and King of Harlem Dapper Dan and his esteemed place in the canon of Black cultural production: In interviews and in his book, Dapper Dan discusses his views on the business side of fashion with startling pragmatism. He seems to possess an unassuming, even avuncular disposition. His expressiveness, of course, is ultimately found in his dress. He cuts a tall figure in his trademark bespoke suits, always tailored within an inch of their lives, and styled with an over-the-top accessory or three: matching frames, an ascot, cufflinks, a boutonnière, and impeccable shoes. In his personal presentation, Dapper Dan emanates what professor Monica Miller calls the “semiotic power of the dandy.” He is the flaneur with a swagger beyond reproach, a Harlem dandy. ... Link up top for the full essay 👆🏾 Pictured above: Salt-n-Pepa's album cover for their hit Push It (1987) styled in Dapper Dan jackets and William H. Johnson, Jitterbugs (II), ca. 1941, oil on paperboard #Harlem #Blackstyle #Blackfashion #dapperdan #saltnpepa #williamhjohnson #vanderzeearchive @metphotographs @dapperdanharlem Special thanks to Met Museum Fellow and founder of @fashioningtheself Jonathan Michael Square. And shout out to Monica Miller, author of the landmark text Slaves to Fashion.