Dapper Dan didn’t just address a sold-out crowd at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Friday night — he had attendees rapt with his wit and wisdom.

In a Q&A with Monica L. Miller, guest curator of the Costume Institute’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the designer spoke of the power and influence that Harlem, N.Y., music and young people have had — and continue to have — on his life. Born Daniel R. Day but better known as Dapper Dan , the 81-year-old turned out in his unrivaled style — a shimmery three-piece black suit with brocade trim, a ruffled yellow shirt unbuttoned at the neck and a black cowboy hat.

One of nine siblings, he has lived in Harlem throughout his life and ran the Dapper Dan’s boutique from 1982 to 1992. Dressing high-profile musicians helped to bolster his own i

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