Karl Kani is a fashion designer known for his influential role in the development of urban fashion, particularly in the 1990s. Born Carl Williams on May 23, 1968, in San Jose, California, Kani is of Jamaican and African American descent. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the hip-hop fashion movement and is often referred to as the "Godfather of Urban Streetwear."

Karl Kani's brand, launched in the early 1990s, became synonymous with baggy jeans, oversized T-shirts, and bold graphics. His designs were embraced by the hip-hop community and played a significant role in shaping the aesthetic of urban fashion during that era. Kani's clothing was not only a fashion statement but also a reflection of the cultural and social movements of the time.