Los Angeles-based fashion maven Karl Kani is a man with a mission: to corner the luxury jeans market with his urban glam Live Life and Love Denim Collection. On Kani’s recent trip to Chicago, the master discussed the secret to his success.
How did a kid from Brooklyn become a megadesigner operating a $75 million brand?
As a kid, all of my friends would compete to outdress each other. I would deliver newspapers to earn money for the latest Lee jeans, Pumas and Adidas. One day, to really outdo my friends, I had my father take me to buy some linen, which I designed into a flashy ’80s-style suit. Orders started pouring in from Flatbush (Brooklyn). Once the word got out, I started designing clothes for hip-hop videos for Heavy D, Will Smith and LL Cool J.
So, was music the launching pad for your brand?
Yes. After doing the hip-hop videos scene in New York, I moved to L.A. to focus on manufacturing and created the first status jean for teens with Cross Colors. My jeans were all over MTV. I moved on to create my namesake urban sportswear line, the Karl Kani Collection. Two years ago, I launched a line of men’s suiting for the man who wants to stand out in the crowd. Will Smith, Jamie Foxx and Mekhi Phifer are big fans.
What are you focusing on now?
My new Live Life and Love Denim brand. The jeans are the epitome of luxe: crocheted patches, Swarovski accents, Buddha embroideries, great washes. Celebrities in L.A. have created a uniform for the modern woman: a luxury jean, Manolos, a great T-shirt, a status bag and diamonds. Women are willing to pay a premium for quality. That’s why people like Tara Reid, Jessica Simpson and Blu Cantrell wear them all of the time.
Where are the jeans available?
Nordstrom, E Street Denim [in Highland Park] and Fred Segal in L.A. They run from $158 to $230.
What is exciting you in the fashion world right now?
The urban customer and contemporary customer are clashing together. Glamor, glitz and that European sense of style are melding together.
What is your impression of Chicago style?
It is very New York here. People are into the layered look. Women wear denim and a splash of color. I love the old-school touches like men in fedoras and trench coats.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Victoria Rodriguez (vrodriguez@tribune.com)
