WHY DO YOU WEAR DASHING?

“I was strolling through Marylebone when I saw a man in front of a shop spinning yarn with a wheel. I immediately thought I could use the yarn in a painting as my last commission in London I used rope. I’ve been travelling the globe extensively the past three years and am always looking for new materials to work with. So I struck up a conversation with Guy, and next thing I know I’m in the shop marveling at all his creations. One particular green jacket with light-reflective thread caught my eye, and I had to have it. I’d never seen anything like it. I wear Dashing because I like to wear unique clothes with a story. I learned that they design and produce all their own fabrics and tailor the pieces to perfection. I wear Dashing because in all the clothes I tried on (the jackets, the pants, the hats), I felt confident and polished, like the clothes were made for me.

I showed Guy my artwork, and he showed me his photography. So we decided to combine art and fashion in a photoshoot. He selected some of his pieces and found 200 meters of blue rope so I could make a temporary art installation. A week later, we went to a basketball court in Primrose Hill, and I meticulously laid out the rope in my signature style of “One Continuous Line” that is uniformly spaced and never intersects: a labyrinth. Et voila, we have these incredible photos.

I aim to make spontaneous artwork along my travels. I drew my line in the sand in Thailand, cut a grass labyrinth in California, and painted a whole room in Havana, Cuba (where my mom is from). So this was a natural next step to make something unique in London inspired by Dashing Tweeds. It’s this same spontaneity and daringness I see in Dashing that makes me want to wear it.”

HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOURSELF THROUGH YOUR CLOTHING?

“I define myself through my clothing by collecting unique pieces during my travels. Right now I’m wearing a pair of shorts with little mushrooms on them I got in New York along with a cream cashmere sweater I got in Mexico and shoes made from fish nets by a friend in Italy. I like to dress playfully yet elegantly. For me, each article of clothing has a memory tied to it. I was cold in Paris and found a vintage Mugler jacket from the 80s. I was hot in Bali, so bought these flowy, locally-made shorts. My clothing reflects my life and all the adventures along the way. Sometimes I see something and think, “Is this too wild or outside of my usual style,” and that’s usually a sign that I should try it and see. I’m always trying to think outside of my own box.

My art is a defining factor in my style and has shaped my wardrobe. You can usually catch me in my embroidered “Yes” hat, silk or chiffon scarves based on my paintings, or even a velvet suit I made from a particular piece. I showed Guy some of my fabric samples, and it looks like they just may end up as a satin lining for one of his suits. I’m excited to collaborate with Dashing to make bespoke clothing, so I look forward to any special requests.”

WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU?

“Style to me means putting together pieces that mean something to you and that express your personality or even your mood. I’m constantly mixing and matching my clothes, especially since I live a lot out of a suitcase. Style means trusting your instincts as to what looks good on you, but also trusting others to help you be even bolder. I don’t think I would have thought to put on the colourful suit I wore in the shoot, but after trying it on, I realised I could pull it off – of course with a little affirmation from Guy.”

“I showed Guy a large framed print I had in London of my “Heart to Heart” piece, two anatomical hearts connected by my one continuous line. And he decided to hang it in the shop. Feel free to stop by and have a look up close.”

Daniel’s artwork in store is for sale, for any inquiries email Studio@DanielDuganArt.com.

You can see more of his creations around the world on his Instagram @DanielDuganArt and on his website, www.DanielDuganArt.com.