25/10

Campfire Q&A with Cultural Icon Karl Kani

Conference

Line-up

Karl Kani (Karl Kani, US) / Pay Kolmüs (NL)

Date

Sat, Oct 25, 2025
12:30 - 13:15

Location

Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam

Interests

Featured Highlights / Social Impact / Global Scenes / ADE Pro / ADE Beats / Q&As

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Disclaimer

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.

Felix Meritis

Conference FAQ

We do not sell ADE Conference only or Day Passes. The only way to get access to the ADE Pro Conference is the ADE Pro Pass.

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.

✓ Valid all five days

ADE Pro conference takes place from Wednesday through Saturday, but the ADE Pro Pass benefits go well beyond those four days. The ticket grants access to ADE’s full offering, including all conference programs as well as all ADE Festival and Arts & Culture events* — read on below to get an impression of everything included with your ADE Pro Pass.

✓ Full access to all conference keynotes, panels and locations

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.

✓ Year round access to ADE Pro's networking platform & database

Get a head start on connecting with fellow music professionals and companies with the ADE Pro networking database, available throughout the year. The online networking tool enables you to find and connect with all ADE Pro delegates, showcase your business with a dedicated profile page, plan meetings during ADE and much more. Over 50.000 messages are being sent on the platform yearly, with new professional connections being made on the regular.

✓ Join dedicated networking events and sessions

With over 9.000 music professionals from around the globe gathering in Amsterdam, you’re almost guaranteed to find who you need. An abundance of networking events and opportunities with fellow ADE delegates and industry leaders provides an advantageous base for dealmaking and career advancement.

✓ Access to all official Business Hubs

Whether you’re planning a meeting with fellow delegates, looking for a comfortable spot to work or simply want to hang out between conference events, your ADE Pro Pass grants access to all of ADE’s official Business Hubs.

✓ Access to the complete ADE Festival and Arts & Culture program*

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.

✓ Receive the official ADE 2025 Bag

Your ADE Pro Pass comes with the limited edition ADE 2025 Bag, an ADE Pro Pass exclusive included with your ticket.

Our conferences are accessible for all ages in general. Do note that when alcoholic beverages are served, access can be denied.

Sound on a Budget: Make Any Space Sound Right

Selim Erdil (Founder and Principal Designer, S.E.S.)

ADE Green Networking Drinks - hosted by Circular Festivals

ADE Green

Meet the Agents

Hugh Parsons (Agent, CAA), Julian Texeira (Music Agent, CAA), Laura Ruiz (Agent, WME), Crosby Stewart (Agent, WME), Logan Handelsman (Agent & Music Touring, Wasserman), Oliver Gunns (Coordinator, UTA), & more speakers