Bio

The legendary Karl Kani (né Carl Williams) has truly gone from rags to riches. Growing up in Brooklyn Kani's style was inspired by Hip-Hop and street culture; apparel in this aesthetic was nowhere to be found. Without adequate clothing options, 16-year old Williams decided to make his own clothes. Friends and strangers took notice of his unique threads, and Williams soon began taking orders. He yearned to take this hobby to the next level and would ask himself the question, “Can I do it?” With more and more demand from the public for his wares, he gained the confidence to move forward. He eventually answered that incessant question, “Yes I can,” and committed himself to the challenge by legally changing his name to Karl Kani. Known as the architect of Urban Fashion, he now finds himself looking over the billion dollar industry that he created. He is a visionary of many first...the first to develop the baggy jean concept, the first urban fashion company to employ an all-black sales force, the first designer to host a fashion show at the White House during President Bill Clinton's term, yet above all, he is the first black American to spread Urban Fashion globally!! Today, Karl Kani sits as CEO of all his brand companies where he serves as the sole designer, choosing fabric, overseeing production and spearheading all marketing while owning all trademarks to his brand world-wide. The Karl Kani brand can be found in high-end boutiques through out the United States, 12 flag ship Karl Kani stores in Japan and in over 30 in-store shops across the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Belgium, Denmark, Croatia, etc.