"Karl Kani"

Carl Williams, better known as Karl Kani, was born in Costa Rica and migrated to the U.S. with his family at just two years old, settling in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Inspired by his father, who had his clothes made by a tailor, Carl developed an early interest in fashion. At age 16, he made his first suit, and by 21, he moved cross-country to pursue his dreams.

He opened a store in Los Angeles, but his progress was derailed by an armed robbery that left him starting over from scratch. Undeterred, Carl pressed forward, attending trade shows and networking to establish his brand. A turning point came when he met Carl Jones of Cross Colours, who recognized the potential of Karl Kani designs. Under the Threads 4 Life corporation, Karl Kani gained retail access and grew its footprint.

By the mid-90s, Carl used the $500,000 profit from Karl Kani to buy back his trademark from Threads 4 Life, launching Karl Kani Infinity to control his brand’s destiny. During this time, he crossed paths with Diddy, then working at Uptown Records, who became the first major figure in music to wear Karl Kani in a campaign in 1991. This co-sign helped propel the brand into the spotlight.

Karl Kani became synonymous with the oversized clothing trend in hip-hop. Carl intentionally designed loose-fitting clothes, aligning with the style preferences of the time. The trend caught fire, with everyone from rap groups to everyday fans embracing the look.

A pivotal moment came when Carl met Tupac Shakur, who was already wearing Karl Kani. When Carl asked how much Pac would charge to appear in a commercial, Pac replied, “You’re Black, I don’t charge my people.” Staying true to his word, Pac became the brand’s biggest influencer, wearing Karl Kani at the premiere of Poetic Justice and spreading its influence globally.

With Pac’s endorsement, Karl Kani solidified its status as a 90s cultural staple, eventually expanding internationally to markets in Japan, China, and England. From a humble start in Brooklyn to becoming the “Godfather of Urban Fashion,” Karl Kani remains a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community.

HELLA INSPIRED.