A Walk in Kenneth Cole’s Shoes.
Last week, the one and only fashion designer, Kenneth Cole, gave a talk on supporting social issues in the fashion world. If you missed it, keep reading for his insight on business and its connection with the AIDS foundation and other great causes.
Cole is a friendly guy with a great sense of humor – I know this because the guy sitting to the right of me did not stop laughing the entire time. Aside from being an “international fashion empire,” Kenneth Cole seems to be a “regular guy” with a big sole. (ha!)
A little bit of history – this fashion icon started by designing shoes then expanded his business to include items such as wallets, ties, and collared shirts. Cole went to Italy to design shoes then started his own line here in America in 1982. Wanting his business to get noticed, he requested permission to park a trailer in the bustling city of New York from which he planned to sell shoes. He was told that only movie production companies could do that, so he added “Productions Inc” to the end of his business name, “Kenneth Cole” and set up shop. The business sold 40,000 pair of shoes in 2 1/2 days!
Right now, he is focusing on designing comfortable shoes that still look good. He believes that black is best because it goes with everything. The Kenneth Cole 925 shoe collection is part of his desire to create a product so cool no one knows what it is. Cole is also famous for his intriguing ad campaign that uses catchy slogans and a play-on-words and he says he is always looking for more creative opportunities.
Cole thinks his business is a “great community service for women” and encouraged us to explore “new frontiers” in green, healthcare, creativity, and social change. And to close his speech he left us with the inspiring words, “going against traffic is not necessarily going in the wrong direction.” Visit AWEARNESSBLOG.COM or read his Awearness novel to become more socially “awear” of issues involving social rights, well-being, political landscape and hard times.
In true Kenneth Cole fashion, I encourage you to “give from the heart, take from the closet” and shop Kenneth Cole. Oh yeah, and be sure to follow him on Twitter or friend him on Facebook – he told us he doesn’t have very many friends!
Erica Nicole.
Wow he sounds like an interesting person! Just goes to prove that someone can be both style conscious and interested in issues of social concern.