*Among the first to mix hip hop and fashion in the early 90s, designer Karl Kani opened doors for a flood of urban apparel brands to enter the fashion industry. So it’s only fitting that a new documentary about his life and 25-year career would be titled, “Karl Kani: The Originator.”
Director Sue Vannasing will feature rare footage of Kani building his brand, with the designer sharing his personal story of breaking racial barriers, surviving ordeals of entrepreneurship and becoming a role model. Celebrity friends of the Kani brand will also be featured.
“I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to visually bring the Karl Kani story to life. Karl has made an enormous contribution to not only the “urban” fashion industry, but also the fashion industry as a whole. Many do not know his full story or the challenges he’s faced. The inspiration and motivation this documentary will deliver is unparalleled,” said Vannasing.
Kani will serve as an executive producer. No word yet on a release date.
Vannasing will direct and produce the project through her company Dream Cloud Productions along with producers Darryll C. Scott and Luc-Richard Elie. Vannasing founded Dream Cloud Productions in 2015 to focus on producing projects that tell real stories about the under-represented.