TEN YEARS AGO few people considered urban sportswear a viable market. Today the playing field is crowded with upstarts trying to cash in on a market largely created by 30-year-old designer Karl Kani. "Competition makes you step up your game a notch," says Kani from his L.A. headquarters.
With no formal training, Kani began his career designing clothes for friends in the music industry. He launched his creations nationally in 1990 under the Cross Colours company umbrella. Though Kani split from Cross Colours in 1995 and personally financed the Karl Kani Infinity launch, his road to successful independent designer wasn't smooth knockoffs of his trademark baggy jeans nearly cost him his company. But quality products and distinctive designs helped the company rebound with record 1997 sales of $69 million.
Kani has expanded his base with children's clothing, men's suits, women's apparel and shoes. Plans include a home-furnishings line and a flagship New York City store by 2001.
The single father of a 2-year-old son is determined to share his good fortune. He sits on the boards of the NAACP and Urban League and works with various children's charities. Kani also developed an entrepreneurial program at 24 elementary schools in Los Angeles: Kids learn to run their own businesses by marketing and selling Kani's closeout designs. "I want to teach these kids to stay determined to fulfill their dreams like I did," he says.
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