While sitting in a cafe in downtown LA this week I ran into none other than Karl Kani, the man responsible for creating and elevating urban wear to what it is today. Many young folks may not be hip to his legacy, but before there was a Sean Jean or AKOO, Karl Kani was branding urban wear with a level of class and sophistication never before seen in "street clothes". Initially working for Cross Colours in 1991 with his line known as Karl Kani, he later bought the name from Cross Colours and took off on his own.
I can vividly remember the emergence of the Karl Kani brand in the 90s and how he took the baggy denim/t-shirt look to another level with gold (metal) accents, rich fabrics and colors and premium denim. Thanks to Karl Kani urban fashion will never be the same and has seen billions in profits since the onslought of this unique fashion genre.
Once I confirmed that it was him, I asked if he had any new lines he was working on and he introduced me to his Live Life Love Denim brand, which he founded in 2004. Live Life Love Denim is a contemporary premium denim line that retails for about $50-$250 with gear for men and women. Kani's Live Life Love Denim can be seen on celebs like Eddie Murphy, Ryan Seacrest, Halle Berry and Melanie Fiona to mention a few, and features bold hues and unique washes that are sure to garner a slew of compliments and admiration from your peers. "LLLD consists of sleeker, slimmer, more refined silhouettes; contemporary and couture; artistic and intricate-all while maintaining his signature stamp of quality and acute attention to detail."
Kani also mentioned the fact that he was currently shooting a fashion reality show at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) next door. I'm definitely impressed with what he has been able to accomplish thus far and believe he has a great product in his new line. Live Life Love Denim is sold exclusively at Nordstrom, Atrium NYC, Fred Segal, Madison's and Barney's, but you can also purchase pieces from his online store at http://livelifelovedenim.com/online-store. So if you're searching for cool gift ideas for your trendy and fashionable guy or gal, check out the brand online and in stores...HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!
Here are a few shots of the denim line:
WEIGH IN
Did you rock Karl Kani back in the day?
What do you think about his new line Live Life Love Denim?
Would you rock any of the pieces showcased above?
Share your thoughts!
OMG, Maya!
ReplyDeleteI will never forget the year I spent saving money to buy you guys Cross Colors that you only wore once!!! Had the nerve to claim they were done...lol! Were those Karl Kani?
Mom, I told him that story at lunch and he LOL. He was designing for them under his own line Karl Kani :-)
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