Campfire Q&A with Cultural Icon Karl Kani
Conference
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Campfire Q&A with Cultural Icon Karl Kani
Speaker: Karl Kani (Fashion Designer)
Moderator: Pay Kolmüs
Few people have impacted our culture the way Karl Kani did. Unanimously dubbed the ‘godfather of urban streetwear’, he is a true cultural legend, blazing a trail and popularizing a fashion lane in the early 90’s that had not yet fully emerged until he created it. Standing out in his field as a black designer from the Starrett City projects in east Brooklyn who, with no formal fashion training or education, started showcasing, creating, and selling apparel that was designed in, and captured the energy and ethos of, the hood. It became the hip-hop style of the nineties, as well as a foundation for a tectonic shift in global fashion, and for the success of the numerous streetwear brands building from his success in decades since. Generational icon Carl ‘Karl Kani’ Williams was the ignition of this - hustling for his vision, his brand, and his dream, and heavily endorsed by legendary hip-hop artists and NBA players as the epitome of their style and image. In this interactive Campfire Q&A we sit down with the original visionary of that unique intersection between hip-hop music and urban streetwear, that has since changed the culture and birthed industries. We discuss his craftmanship, style, legacy, and footprint, and his pioneering and current contributions and how they shaped our culture in profound ways and continue to lay the foundation for generations of entrepreneurs, and how he has proactively adapted his cultural vision and strategies over time and developed his brand into exciting new chapters. Revolutionizing the fashion culture and industry globally, as well as creating important new notions of ownership, artistic and economic practice, and vibrant interconnections between music and fashion.
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Tickets for the specialist sessions, such as ADE Lab and ADE Green can be found on the ticket page closer to the date of ADE 2026.
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ADE Pro is the ultimate business and inspiration gathering for the electronic music industry. The four-day conference returns to live action at our iconic home base Felix Meritis and features dedicated programming at the forefront of our industry. In addition, ADE will also continue to host conference programs dedicated to young creators and aspiring professionals.
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✓ Join dedicated networking events and sessions
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With the entirety of ADE Festival and ADE Arts & Culture accessible with the ADE Pro Pass, your ticket enables you to explore the full spectrum of electronic subgenres in over 200 of Amsterdam’s finest music and nightlife spaces — with 2.500+ artists performing at 1.000+ events during five days and nights.
* Limited capacity at high-demand venues – read more at our FAQ.
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Info & Ticket Desks for picking up your personal ADE Pro Pass badge & wristband
Felix Meritis (outside)
Address: Keizersgracht 324, 1016EZ Amsterdam
Tuesday October 21: 14:00 to 20:00
Wednesday October 22: 08:30 to 20:00
Thursday October 23: 09:00 to 20:00
Friday October 24: 09:00 to 20:00
Saturday October 25: 10:00 to 20:00
Sunday October 26: CLOSED
~ The best location for collecting your accreditation when you want to visit the ADE Pro Conference.
Stromma - Pier 6 | Central Station
Address: Damrak 16, 1012 LH Amsterdam
Tuesday October 21: 10:00 to 22:00
Wednesday October 22: 09:00 to 22:00
Thursday October 23: 09:00 to 22:00
Friday October 24: 09:00 to 22:00
Saturday October 25: 09:00 to 22:00
Sunday October 26: CLOSED
~ This Info & Ticket desk is the most convenient location for people who'd like to pick up their accreditation right after arriving in Amsterdam at the central train station.
NOTE
Please be aware that your e-ticket is strictly personal and non-transferable. It is mandatory to show your ID/passport during pick-up. Your items cannot be picked up by someone else.
Also, don’t forget to complete your profile details before ADE, to make sure we have the right information to prepare your personal badge.
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