Gucci is collaborating on a capsule collection with Day and funded the re-opening of his Harlem store just a few blocks away from its original location (now part museum, part lushly furnished atelier). Gucci pays for the rent on the 4,700-square-foot space, which is leased out until 2020, and provides Day with raw materials for creating custom pieces at a wholesale prices.
“I’m selling luxury goods to people who come into the neighbourhood as opposed to those who live in the neighbourhood,” said Day of his new atelier. When asked in a follow-up email how he felt about that, Day explained it like this: “As you know, when I started my business my clients in Harlem were part of a sub-culture that was associated with criminal elements; they could afford to buy the items I created and they valued those designs. The upper-class Harlem residents that could afford my designs did not support my business at that time. Today, we have customers from Harlem and from around the world, so of course, I am happy about that.”
Neither Day nor Gucci would disclose the specific financial terms of their arrangement. Day also does not receive a salary from the brand.
Day does say that he has received “way more than I would have ever expected,” and is supportive of Bizzarri in particular. “Marco Bizzarri is to fashion as Martin Luther is to religion,” he said. “Both men are part of a huge change in the narrative.”
