Kenneth Cole the Brand
20 years ago, designer Kenneth Cole was desperate to set up his own shoe company, however, with an incredibly tight budget the prospect of Cole getting anywhere near fulfilling his dream was looking slim. Unable to afford the extravagant prices of renting a flashy showroom, Cole used his creative genius to come up with a makeshift show room for his shoes: his friends 40ft trailer truck. However, there was a spanner in the works, in order to get permission to park a 40ft truck in central Manhattan one had to either be a utility company delivering goods or a film company shooting a full length picture. Cole opted for the latter and Kenneth Cole Productions Inc was born.
Cole got a permit to park the trailer in the centre of Manhattan, kitting it out with all the necessary paraphernalia of a real film set. He even hired a director and camera man. He named his ‘film’ “The Birth of a Shoe Company” and within two days Cole had sold 40 thousand pairs of shoes. A sure testament to his delectable designs.
The brand has gone from strength to strength with Kenneth Cole being one of New York’s most desirable labels. Kenneth Cole has a loyal celeb following with stars such as Eva Longoria, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba and Hollywood’s belle du jour Leighton Meester all coveting Cole’s designs.
As well as being behind some of fashion’s most sought-after pieces, Kenneth Cole remains a brand with ethics, never forgetting the label’s humble roots. Charities supported by Kenneth Cole include, American Foundation for Aids Research, homeless aid organisation Help USA and with a touch of irony, the Sundance Institute which is a charity dedicated to helping emerging talent in the world of film and documentary making.
The label is still officially named Kenneth Cole Productions Inc, serving as a reminder of the importance of creativity and innovation within the brand; an ethic which is certainly reflected in Kenneth Cole designs.
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Classic Kenneth Cole Styles
Kenneth Cole is no longer simply a shoe company. The brand has extended enormously to include collections covering a men’s ready to wear, women’s ready to wear, children’s wear, shoes and accessories.
Still famous for his wonderfully designed shoes, some key Kenneth Cole shoe designs for guys include: Cob Web, Friend Or Bow, Con-Vent, Leading Edge, World's Finest, East Village, Drive Home, Xtra Mile, Deal Me N, Kenneth Cole Reaction Last Night and Kenneth Cole Reaction Pick Up Note.
If there’s anything that can make a girl weak at the knees, it’s some drop dead gorgeous shoes. Kenneth Cole never fails. His beautiful women’s shoe styles include: Rocky Canyon, In The Fringe, Fair Lady, Sara Belle, Three Pointer, Beyond Straps, Dragon Ball, Up N Away, First Class Date, Secret Date, Cupid's Bow, Ruper Star, O Gee, Ruper Duper, Dancin Jazz, How Suede It Is, Sparklers, Last Date, Sleek Street and Blind Date.
If you’re more of a bag lady, Kenneth Cole’s handbag collection will certainly not disappoint. Fabulous styles include: Fringe Kiss Clutch, Zip Service - Large Bucket, Fashion Plate Tote, Fringe Kiss Hobo, Wood Be Nice Tote, Fashion Plate Clutch, Twice is Right – Satchel, Bag Harbor Wristlet, Tabloid Small Crossbody, Hit the Road Bucket, Hang Glide – Clutch, Slick or Treat - Large Satchel, Chain Event Satchel and Shop Around - Large Tote.
On trend pieces from the womenswear line include: Shrunken Blazer, Tuxedo Vest, High Blouson Kimono Sleeve, Color Blocked Ruffle Dress, One Shoulder Silk Print Dress, Leather Dress, Leather Pant, Belted Satin Trench, Leather Skirt, Patent Digital Watch, Skinny Strap Watch, Square Plastic Aviator and Double Bar Aviator.
Great pieces from the menswear line include: Paper Touch Leather Jacket, Modern Linen Blazer, Long-Sleeve Military Shirt, Non-Iron Solid Basic Slim Fit Shirt, Button-Front Shirt, Flat Front Wool Pant, Mini Check Short, Roma - Flap Over Laptop Case, Metal Square Aviator, Plastic Wrap Sport Sunglasses, Brown Sport Barrel Watch, Round White Watch and Croco Strap Watch.
