Fresh, Unique, Classic and Quality is what comes to mind when I think of Karl Kani’s Designs. I grew up in the 70’s and 80′ and Karl Kani was the man and every urban artist walking the red carpet wore Kani. Kani clothing was even highlighted on some sitcoms such as Martin.
Karl Kani born Carl Williams, grew up in Brooklyn, New York and recalls always having a flair for fashion. He never wore what his other class mates wore because most of his clothing was tailored made. Kani was encouraged by the many accolades he received from everyone at school so he decided he wanted to design his own clothing line because he never wanted to wear clothing that other peoples name on it, he wanted to be an individual.
Today Karl Kani cashed in on his childhood vision by turning it into a multi-billion dollar business in the urban community. Kani’s early researched showed that many designers were manufacturing their lines in California, so Karl head West and by 1989, he opened his own store in Los Angeles. In 1990 Karl went into partnership with another African American Company called Cross Colours an took his fashion line nationwide.
Throughout the 1990’s Kani’s clothing was well known on the red carpet and was considered a sign of success within the music and hip hop industries. Around 1995 when Karl’s partnership ended with Cross Colours, Kani remained steadfast in moving his company forward by his own rules. Kani went through a large court battle with a company called Skechers who want his company to go public and Karl refused to give up control of a company that he built. Karl has said that the experience made him realize that “Business is warfare and you’ve got to be prepared for battle at any moment to really stand for what you want”.
With so much competition in the Urban Clothing market today with designers like Sean John, Phat Farm and G-Unit, Kani works hard in order to stay fresh and cutting edge. Karl has created a new line of tailored clothing that will be marketed towards high end retailers such as Barneys. Kani is displeased with the quality and designs being offered in the lower end urban market and wants to set himself and his company apart by returning to his original vision of offering quality, tailored made clothing. Kani not only offers clothing for men, he has lovely and hip women’s fashions available for your Holiday shopping. Following are a few items that got my attention:
1.Ladies Faux Fur Jacket/Sale $99.95 100% Acrylic and Nylon/ This jacket is so soft and it looks like the real thing ladies. It’s chic, fun and flirty and you can wear it with your favorite jeans or that perfect Holiday skirt with a pair of sleek boots. This jacket comes in sizes xs-xl.
2. Zipper Dress/Sale $89.95 This dress comes in olive cotton fabric with a little stretch material for a more formed fit. It has a gold tone chain attached to the zipper that hangs to the side and gives the dress that urban chic detail that sure to grab your attention. The dress comes in sizes xs-xl
3. Ladies Bubble Jacket/Sale $89.95 This chocolate brown jacket is 100% Polyester and Nylon and has a faux fur color that gives it that little something extra to keep you warm this winter.
These are only a few items available on sale via the internet, but you can find more by going to the Google search engine and put in Karl Kani and preview Kanis latest urban men’s and women’s clothing lines.
Kani is thinking of his company in terms of legacy; he wants to eventually pass his company on to his children in the future. Karl admits the only way to move forward and stay true to your own designs is not focusing so much on the competition and do what you do best.
I wish Karl Kani much success in his future endeavors and look forward to new and exciting designs in 2007. From the Francis family to your family, may God bless you this Holiday Season with Peace, Joy and Love.
Reference:
- karlkani
