Kenneth Cole Taps ABC’s Dancing With The Stars Contestant Noah Galloway For MANKIND Ultimate Campaign

Galloway Stars in Ad Campaign for the Brand’s Newest Fragrance

For the first time, Kenneth Cole and fragrance manufacturer and distributor Parlux LTD., will feature a real guy in a Kenneth Cole fragrance advertising campaign. The campaign for MANKIND Ultimate by Kenneth Cole, the brand’s newest limited edition fragrance, stars Noah Galloway, an Iraq war veteran, double amputee, personal trainer and motivational speaker.

Kenneth Cole Taps ABC’s Dancing With The Stars Contestant Noah Galloway For MANKIND Ultimate by Kenneth Cole Campaign (PRNewsFoto/Parlux LTD.)

In the campaign, shot by Robbie Fimmano, Galloway is depicted as the ultimate man through an impactful portrait and a collage representing Noah’s life and routine, highlighting how he got to where he is today. The campaign will debut in the May issue of Men’s Health and the MANKIND fragrance collection will once again sponsor the Ultimate Men’s Health Guy Search this year.

Cole was introduced to Galloway through the brand’s partnership with the Ultimate Men’s Health Guy Search in 2014 and was deeply inspired by his story.  Galloway went on to win the contest and as a result, was also featured on the cover of the November 2014 issue of the magazine.

According to Cole, “Noah is a true representation of the modern man. He is a remarkable guy with an inspiring story.  I believe people will be drawn to and inspired by him, in the same way we were.”

MANKIND Ultimate by Kenneth Cole is the newest addition to the MANKIND fragrance collection.  The fragrance opens with citrus accord mixed with cucumber and a splash of watery effervescence on the top. Middle notes include cashmere woods and vetiver root wrapped in an aromatic floral. The bottom notes hold the strength and foundation of the fragrance using sandalwood, oak moss, tonka crystals and a trail of addictive musk to captivate the senses. MANKIND Ultimate by Kenneth Cole will be available at major department stores nationwide for $72 (3.4 fl. oz) through October 2015, or while supplies last.

Fashion and Entertainment Celebrates 30 Years of Peanuts in Fashion: Snoopy And His Sister Belle Make A Bold Fashion Statement At New York Fashion Week

All new Traveling Exhibit “Snoopy and Belle in Fashion Presented by MetLife” Debuts at the New Museum Sky Room

The much-anticipated new exhibition entitled “Snoopy and Belle in Fashion presented by MetLife” opens today at the New Museum’s Sky Room in New York City.  Bringing together Snoopy and his sister Belle with the world’s foremost design talent and visionaries, the exhibition features all new one-of-a-kind creations for the on-trend vinyl Snoopy and Belle dolls. After New York, the exhibit will travel to the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and other locations in Milan, Tokyo, and more over the next two years.

DESIGNER BIBHU MOHAPATRA CREATES LOOKS FOR SNOOPY AND HIS SISTER BELLE IN A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE NEW MUSEUM’S SKY ROOM THIS NEW YORK CITY FASHION WEEK. (PRNewsFoto/Peanuts Worldwide)

DESIGNERS JEFFREY COSTELLO AND ROBERT TAGLIAPIETRA CREATE LOOKS FOR SNOOPY AND HIS SISTER BELLE IN A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE NEW MUSEUM’S SKY ROOM THIS NEW YORK CITY FASHION WEEK. (PRNewsFoto/Peanuts Worldwide)

DESIGNER ISAAC MIZRAHI CREATE LOOKS FOR SNOOPY AND HIS SISTER BELLE IN A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE NEW MUSEUM’S SKY ROOM THIS NEW YORK FASHION WEEK (PRNewsFoto/Peanuts Worldwide)

The international fashion leaders designing for Snoopy and Belle include: Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson, Bibhu Mohapatra, Calvin Klein Collection, Christian Siriano, Costello Tagliapietra, DKNY, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dsquared2, Dries Van Noten, Emanuel Ungaro, Isaac Mizrahi, Isabel Marant, J.Mendel, Kenneth Cole, Lisa Perry, MAC Cosmetics, Opening Ceremony, PhilipTreacy, Rodarte, Royal Asscher, Swarovski, Tracy Reese, VPL by Victoria Bartlett, and Zac Posen.

“Snoopy and Belle In Fashion presented by MetLife” makes its premiere appearance as Peanuts prepares to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip in 2015, along with the brand’s first all new CGI 3D feature film from Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios, the 50th anniversary of Peanuts on television with A Charlie Brown Christmas airing on ABC, and the 30th anniversary of the inaugural “Snoopy in Fashion” event of the 1980s.

DESIGNER BETSEY JOHNSON CREATE LOOKS FOR SNOOPY AND HIS SISTER BELLE IN A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE NEW MUSEUM’S SKY ROOM THIS NEW YORK FASHION WEEK. (PRNewsFoto/Peanuts Worldwide)

The 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards Winners

JOSEPH ALTUZARRA NAMED WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

RIHANNA NAMED FASHION ICON OF THE YEAR

AWARDS SHOW TO BE WEBCAST ON CFDA.COM ON TUESDAY, JUNE 3RD AT 11AM

House Photography:  BFA: www.bfanyc.com

Last night, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) paid tribute to the winners and honorees of the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards in collaboration with Swarovski at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center. Film director and screenwriter John Waters was the host for the evening. For the thirteenth year in a row, the evening was generously underwritten by Swarovski. Highlights of the evening included a live tribute featuring sixteen models of color in Diane von Furstenberg dresses paying homage to Founder’s Award honoree Bethann Hardison for advocating diversity on the runways and Michael Kors leading the In Memoriam segment in which he honored the passing of Annabel Tollman, L’Wren Scott, and Art Ortenberg over the past year.

2014 CFDA Fashion Awards – Award Presentation with hos John Waters

Nominees, honorees, and winners were determined by the CFDA Awards Guild which is comprised of CFDA members, leading fashion journalists, stylists, and top retail executives. Ernst & Young, LLP was the official accounting firm of the Awards.

“Tonight, we celebrated creativity, experience, and conviction by honoring the diversity and vibrancy of individuals who define the influence of the fashion industry,” said CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg.

ACCESSORIES WINNERS – THE ROWMARY – KATE OLSEN & ASHLEY OLSEN WITH PRESENTER KERI RUSSELL(Center)

Dao-Yi Chow, James Marsden, Maxwell Osborne

Lupita Nyongo, Joseph Altuzarra

The evening’s Womenswear Designer of the Year honors went to Joseph Altuzarra for Altuzarra, presented by Lupita Nyong’o. The award for Menswear Designer of the Year was presented to Maxwell Osborne & Dao-Yi Chow for Public School by actor James Marsden. Mary-Kate Olsen & Ashley Olsen for The Row took home the Accessories Designer of the Year Award, presented by actress Keri Russell.

Sebastian Stan, Christopher Peters, Nadja Swarovski, Shane Gabier, Greta Gerwig, Tim Coppens, Irene Neuwirth

Greta Gerwig and Sebastian Stan presented the three Swarovski Awards, which honor and recognize emerging talent. The Swarovski Award for Womenswear was given to Shane Gabier & Christopher Peters for Creatures of the Wind. The Swarovski Award for Menswear was presented to Tim Coppens. The Swarovski Award for Accessory Design went to Irene Neuwirth. Recipients in each category will receive generous financial support from the company as well as exposure to the company’s vast and innovative crystal products and applications for fashion.

Rihanna was presented with the Fashion Icon award by Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour who praised the musician for her ability to tell captivating stories through the boldness and beauty of clothes. Rihanna thanked members of the audience: “the designers, the models, and everyone else who has inspired me.”

“The CFDA believes in designers at every stage of their career.  Last night we recognized a broad range of talent and influence from student scholarship winners and emerging talent to industry icons,” added CFDA CEO Steven Kolb.

“It’s been an honor to partner with the CFDA in celebrating the very best in American fashion for thirteen incredible years, and the creativity of the award winners never fails to amaze.  We are especially pleased to support the industry’s next generation through the Swarovski Awards. It’s a privilege to help these dazzling young talents evolve and realize their visions as they take the next steps in their careers,” said Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board.

The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tom Ford by Richard Buckley for his consistent, creative influence on fashion.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE TOM FORD

amfAR’s CINEMA AGAINST AIDS GALA RAISES A RECORD BREAKING $35 MILLION FOR RESEARCH TO FIGHT HIV/AIDS AND TO HELP FIND A CURE

EVENT SPONSORED BY WORLDVIEW ENTERTAINMENT, BOLD FILMS, BVLGARI, MERCEDES-BENZ and THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

The 21^st annual Cinema Against AIDS raised a record $35 million last night, helping amfAR in its continued fight against HIV/AIDS. The star-studded black-tie event was held at the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc and was presented by Worldview Entertainment, Bold Films, and BVLGARI.

CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Harvey Weinstein and Heidi Klum speak onstage during amfAR’s 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala Presented By WORLDVIEW, BOLD FILMS, And BVLGARI at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2014 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for amfAR)

CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Dean Caten, Sharon Stone and Dan Caten attend amfAR’s 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala Presented By WORLDVIEW, BOLD FILMS, And BVLGARI at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2014 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/amfAR14/WireImage)

Since amfAR’s late Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor hosted the first Cinema Against AIDS in 1993, the event has become the most coveted ticket in Cannes. Past events have been chaired by amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone, President Bill Clinton, Demi Moore, Sir Elton John, and Madonna, among many others.

Like the epidemic itself, AIDS research knows no borders. amfAR’s programs have had a global reach since 1986, when the Foundation began awarding international grants. Today, amfAR continues to fund HIV/AIDS researchers worldwide and works to translate their research into effective policy, prevention, and treatment programs around the globe.

CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 22: (L-R) Eva Herzigova and Sharon Stone speak onstage during amfAR’s 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala Presented By WORLDVIEW, BOLD FILMS, And BVLGARI at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2014 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Kellan Lutz attends amfAR’s 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala Presented By WORLDVIEW, BOLD FILMS, And BVLGARI at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2014 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/amfAR14/WireImage)

Sharon Stone was once again a Chair of the event, along with Harvey Weinstein, amfAR ambassador Milla Jovovich, Heidi Klum, BVLGARI Ambassador Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, Carine Roitfeld, amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, Bulgari Group Chief Executive Officer Jean-Christophe Babin, amfAR Global Fundraising Ambassador Milutin Gatsby, Michel Litvak, Vincent Roberti, Remo Ruffini, Worldview Entertainment chairman and CEO Christopher Woodrow, and Worldview Entertainment COO Molly Conners.

Kenneth Cole Introduces New Mankind Fragrance

Fashion designer, Kenneth Cole, renowned for his wit and provocative play on words, brings his creative edge to the launch of MANKIND, a new fragrance for men that celebrates the evolution of the modern man; confident, connected and ready to take on today’s challenges. The fragrance, a bold aromatic scent, was created by Claude Dir, Perfumer at Givaudan and Parlux Ltd. in collaboration with Kenneth Cole. Encased with leather and affixed with chrome bolts, personally selected by Kenneth himself, each element captures the essence of MANKIND with sleek, tailored architecture.

Kenneth Cole Introduces Mankind Fragrance. (PRNewsFoto/Parlux Ltd.)

“The Mankind fragrance and concept is designed for the guy who knows what he wants and expresses it daily through his actions, style and overall essence,” said Kenneth Cole, Chairman and CEO of Kenneth Cole Productions. “This man is performance driven yet understands the importance of achieving balance in his life, whether in his career, relationships or community.”

The Kenneth Cole MANKIND Fragrance Collection debuts at Kenneth Cole & major department stores nationwide in March 2014 and includes:
Eau de Toilette in 3.4 fl oz/100 ml, $72
Eau de Toilette in 1.7 fl oz/50 ml, $54
Eau de Toilette in 1 oz/30 ml, $44
Hair & Body Wash in 6.7 oz/198 ml, $18
Deodorant, 2.6 oz/75 g, $22

The corresponding website, www.mankindfragrance.com is a social hub and playground for men to experience the core essence of the Mankind brand and fragrance. In the spirit of being a modern, “stand-up” guy, men are invited to share their random acts of kindness with real time photos and tweets via #manupformankind. For the early adapters, the 21 Day challenge also incorporates a Google Glass application to photograph and download their daily good deeds.

Kenneth Cole Uses “Augmented Reality” to Promote His New Coffee Table Book

Kenneth Cole and Rizzoli Partner on Book Launch: This is a Kenneth Cole Production

Designer Kenneth Cole (www.kennethcole.com) has collaborated with Rizzoli on the publication of a coffee table book celebrating his 30 year career in fashion and social engagement.  Featuring additional behind the scenes content in the form of augmented reality, consumers will be encouraged to scan a sticker on the book cover to download Junaio, a free mobile app, which will launch an image and personal message from the designer.   In addition to the cover, select pages throughout the book have also been activated with augmented reality giving readers special access to insider video content about the designer and his company.

Book Cover: This is a Kenneth Cole Production. (PRNewsFoto/Kenneth Cole)

Designed by Jacob Wildschioedtz and co-authored by Lisa Birnbach (author of the iconic 1980’s The Preppie Handbook, a classic), This is a Kenneth Cole Production, chronicles the upstart of the fashion designer who built his brand from humble beginnings in 1982 into a memorable brand powerhouse. Spanning his 30-year career, the book pulls back the curtain of Kenneth’s world: from his earliest days learning the shoe business from his father to early days of building his empire; from branching out into clothing to being credited with making basic black the ultimate go-to color for sleek and stylish city garb; and from the origins of his powerful ad campaigns to his vigilant social activism.

The book will retail for $75 and will be on sale October 1(st) at all Kenneth Cole stores worldwide, on www.kennethcole.com and wherever fine books are sold.   100% of Kenneth Cole’s profits from the book will be donated to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

To view excerpts from the book, visit www.30yearsbold.com.

Book Tour & Designer Personal Appearances

To support the book, the brand will be partnering with blogger Amy Levin of College Fashionista on a five-city book tour

Kenneth Cole logo. (PRNewsFoto/Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.)

to support the launch.  The tour, which will be comprised of a series of designer Q&A’s at the top Liberal Arts and Design colleges across the country, will be moderated by Levin, and live streamed on Google+ Hang Out.  Kicking off in October, Cole’s first stop will be FIT followed by visits to Berkeley, San Francisco Art & Design, University of Miami, and Miami Art & Design, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard.  The tour will conclude back in New York at the prestigious 92 Street Y where Fern Mallis, one of the fashion industries most legendary personalities, will interview Cole as part of her Fashion Icon talks.  In addition to speaking at the Universities, Cole will be on hand to sign personal copies of the book which will be sold at each campus.

While on tour, Cole will also be promoting his fashion brand by doing personal appearances on October 12th at Nordstrom in San Francisco, and on November 9th at Bloomingdales in Aventura, South Florida.

 

Kenneth Cole Celebrates 30 Years Of Being Bold

After launching the company’s 30th year anniversary with a February return to New York Fashion Week, Kenneth Cole (http://www.kennethcole.com) continued the 2013 celebration with the September 12 launch of www.30YearsBold.com.  Designed to salute the company’s 30 year heritage of being bold and making bold moves, the digital hub will link visitors to: the new Kenneth Cole Advertising Archive, a first look at This is a Kenneth Cole Production, a coffee table book celebrating Kenneth Cole’s 30 year career in fashion and social engagement, a 30th Anniversary Digital Sweepstakes, as well as a calendar of 30th Anniversary Retail Events and Mystery Offers.

30yearsbold.com. (PRNewsFoto/Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.)

Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. designs, sources and markets a broad range of footwear, handbags, apparel and accessories under the brand names Kenneth Cole, Kenneth Cole Reaction, and Unlisted, as well as footwear under the proprietary trademark Gentle Souls. The Company has also granted a wide variety of third party licenses for the production of men’s and women’s apparel, as well as fragrances, watches, jewelry, eyewear and several other accessory categories. The Company’s products are distributed through department stores, better specialty stores, company-owned retail stores and its e-commerce website. Further information can be found at http://www.kennethcole.com.

Interactive Digital Ad Archive

Since the beginning, the Kenneth Cole brand has always used advertising to distinguish itself from the competition.  Taking risks and provoking thought, the company has used its platform to discuss relevant social issues, while building meaningful connections with its consumers by promoting not just what they look like on the outside, but who they are on the inside.

Launching on September 12, a comprehensive, interactive digital archive will chronicle the brand’s 30 year advertising journey.  By accessing the archive, visitors will be able to dynamically search any Kenneth Cole advertisement using specific filters.  After accessing the ads, consumers will have the option of digging deeper to explore more about the campaigns, and share the content they are most passionate about through a variety of social platforms including Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Tumblr.

The Loafer: A Shoe for All Seasons

Written by Phillip D. Johnson        

Shoe Images provided by Maguire Steele

In recent seasons, high-end shoe designers has taken the men’s loafer shoe into new heights of fashion, making what has long been a men’s staple shoe into a coveted high fashion must-have for women everywhere. Women’s high fashion loafers have appeared in so many collections (and permutations) over the past few seasons, that this usually understated shoe has become truly beyond fabulously trendy. It has become epic. Formerly seen only at preppy brands, the loafer has been taken up by such unlikely champions as Nicholas Kirkwood, the London-based footwear designer whose designs are not generally described as understated, in a pilgrim-inspired, rhinestone buckle version from Marc Jacobs; a suede platform loafer from Saint Laurent Paris and a gold-tipped kiltie-style from Chloé. The trend has even drifted downwards to H&M, Payless, Zara, and other “fast fashion” and mid-priced merchandisers. The loafer rules.

Few men’s shoes today are more flexible and diverse than loafers. Chances are that you have at least one pair of loafers

somewhere in your closet. The penny loafer is a classic. It’s every boy’s first dress shoe (no laces), looks perfect when beaten-up and broken down through your college days, and later is spiffy enough for the office. It’s a lifelong wardrobe staple and just about the most versatile shoe a man will ever own. The history of the loafer is really a simple one. The first loafer, as known and beloved by men today, was reportedly inspired by a 1930s photo in “Esquire” magazine, which captured a group of Norwegian dairy farmers wearing slip-on shoes. The farmers were standing around the “loafing” area where cows were waiting to be milked, which is why in 1933 the Spaulding Leather Company of New Hampshire

Eastland Topsham Tassel Loafer, $95

trademarked its new line of men’s footwear as Loafers.

A Maine shoemaker named John Bass had seen the same article, but was slower to act on it than his neighbor. So when Bass introduced his version of the loafer in 1936, he called them Weejuns, which was slang for Norwegians. One of the characteristics of the Bass shoe was a diamond or lip-shaped notch in the decorative, supportive leather band than ran across the instep. Some say the design was supposed to represent the lips of John’s wife, Alice, kissing each pair on their way out the door. But teenagers who wore the shoes started putting a penny in the slot for good luck, and the penny loafer was born. Manufacturers known for their men’s loafers include Florsheim, Johnston Murphy, Bally, Clarks, Kenneth Cole, Gucci, Eastland and Cole Haan, among others. The Italian fashion house of Ferragamo also makes loafers, as does Red Wing, although Red Wing is more commonly associated with work boots than casual shoes. Because the shoes were made of leather and often had simple, understated embellishments on the vamp, loafers could also be worn to work. In particular, the tassel loafer, some with wing-tip designs over the toe, became popular with attorneys and white-collar professionals. And they still are.

Because they could be slipped on, loafers were equally as popular with students in casual, social settings. Considered the official footwear of the preppy lifestyle, the penny loafer has earned its place in history, along with the cotton chino, the oxford shirt (preferably white with button-down collar) and the navy blazer, as an American wardrobe essential that’s timeless, stylish and appropriate for any occasion. The penny loafer had its heyday in the late nineteen fifties and early sixties when the shoe became a pervasive trend on Ivy League campuses. With socks, without socks, sometimes even with white tube socks and shorts, the penny loafer became a centerpiece of the newly solidifying post-war “Ivy League Look”. And although they lost some of their popularity during the youthquake turbulent years of the late 1960’s and into the 1970’s, the penny loafer managed to stage resurgence during the go-go, Wall Street Boom years of the 1980s. I remember having to wear penny loafers as part of my uniform throughout my entire pre-college school years (in the 1980’s0 and I loved them. Even today, GQ, Details, and Esquire prominently features loafer styles throughout a majority of their photo-editorials in each month issue of their magazines. It’s just the perfect shoe.

That’s why loafers—with or without the penny—have become an indispensable part of any stylish warm-weather wardrobe. They are just as appropriate for a summer wedding (when worn with khaki pants and a navy blazer). They are for a weekend spent running errands, without socks, in a pair of cargo shorts. And they are ideal for the office. This versatility, coupled with time-honored craftsmanship, ensures that loafers–penny or not–will remain an icon of style for decades to come.

Since 1955, three generations of the Maine-based Eastland family have been crafting timelessly classic, casual leather footwear of the finest workmanship, comfort and quality standards. Full-grain leathers, handcrafted detail, durable soles and exceptional comfort are built into every pair. Drawing from the state’s long-standing tradition of handsewn footwear, the Eastland brand is known for its Americana heritage-inspired style that reflects their Maine roots and long-standing traditional shoemaking principles. Their various footwear collections–including the premium Made in Maine USA and Eastland 1955 Edition Collections–offer styles for modern women and men who appreciate New England classic attitude, long-lasting quality and great value in their casual (and dress) footwear.

Kenneth Cole Launches Limited-Edition Holiday 2013 Kinky Boots Collection

Fashion Designer and social activist, Kenneth Cole, is partnering with the Tony Award winning musical, Kinky Boots, on the launch of a limited-edition capsule shoe collection.  Arriving in stores this holiday season, 100% of net profits from the sale of the shoes will be donated to AWEARNESS, The Kenneth Cole Foundation in support of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).  Following consultation with Kinky Boots costume designer, Gregg Barnes, Kenneth Cole has also designed the red high heel pump featured in the opening act of the show.

Inspired by a true story and based on the Miramax motion picture written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, in Kinky Boots, Charlie Price has suddenly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

Kenneth Cole And Kinky Boots. (PRNewsFoto/Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.)

With a Tony Award-winning score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, a book by four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, and direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots opened on Broadway on April 4, 2013 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, where it continues to play to standing-room-only crowds.  Kinky Boots took home six 2013 Tony® Awards, the most of any show this season, including Best Musical, Best Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Actor (Billy Porter), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus), and Best Sound Design (John Shivers).  The show also received the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Broadway.com Awards for Best Musical, along with many other accolades.

The collection features three styles:  a red patent leather peep-toe pump (also available in different color ways), as well as two versions of a knee-high boot – one in black and white leopard, and one in black patent —  both with red zipper detailing, and a red patent leather insole and heel. All three styles will feature a “Kinky Boots by Kenneth Cole” logo embossed on the sole. The Kinky Boots collection will retail from $150-$400 and will be sold at Kenneth Cole stores, www.Kennethcole.com, as well as select department stores in December.

“Being the son of a women’s shoe factory owner, Kinky Boots resonated with me on so many different levels,” said Kenneth Cole.  “It was such an inspiring story, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to collaborate on a shoe collection that makes people look good, and do good by raising funds for HRC.”

AWEARNESS, The Kenneth Cole Foundation promotes, encourages and inspires meaningful social change, and supports like-minded Change Agents and organizations to make a difference. The foundation also sell products and host events in support of their important causes. As part of each partnership, an AWEARNESS “Change Agent” is selected, and their story of social activism is highlighted to inspire others to get involved. These interviews and products can be seen on the AWEARNESS website www.awearness.com.

To support the collaboration, a designated area in front of the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street), will encourage passersby to try and win a pair of Kinky Boots tickets by following @kennethcoleprd and @kinkybootsbway and Instagraming a photo of their “kinky” shoes using #KCKinkyboots.

Additionally, a 20% shopping discount will be extended to any customer presenting a Kinky Boots ticket stub at Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole logo. (PRNewsFoto/Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.)

stores nationwide.  Finally, the brand will dedicate its West Side Highway billboard during the month of October to the Kinky Boots collaboration.

Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. designs, sources and markets a broad range of footwear, handbags, apparel and accessories under the brand names Kenneth Cole, Kenneth Cole Reaction, and Unlisted, as well as footwear under the proprietary trademark Gentle Souls. The Company has also granted a wide variety of third party licenses for the production of men’s and women’s apparel, as well as fragrances, watches, jewelry, eyewear and several other accessory categories. The Company’s products are distributed through department stores, better specialty stores, company-owned retail stores and its e-commerce website. Further information can be found at http://www.kennethcole.com.

Kenneth Cole Applauds The Supreme Court’s Decision To Support Marriage Equality For All

Fashion Designer and social activist Kenneth Cole has long –and boldly– supported marriage equality (and gay rights) for over fifteen years; and views today’s Supreme Court decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as a step forward for all who wish to get married.

“Since our first gay rights advertisements in 1995 we have been firm believers in equal rights for all,” says Cole.  “Today’s Supreme Court decision echoes what we have long believed, and validates ‘for better or for worse,’ the importance of every relationship and everyone’s inherent right ‘to have and to hold.'”

This June, Kenneth Cole Productions announced its fifth year collaborating with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), with the sale of a limited edition t-shirt encouraging Americans to show support for marriage equality through AWEARNESS. AWEARNESS, The Kenneth Cole Foundation promotes, encourages and inspires meaningful social change, and supports like-minded Change Agents and organizations to make a difference. They also sell products and host events in support of their important causes. As part of each partnership, an AWEARNESS “Change Agent” is selected, and their story of social activism is highlighted to inspire others to get involved. These interviews and products can be seen on the AWEARNESS website www.awearness.com.

This year’s t-shirt is inscribed with the message “Equality… Get Married to the Idea,” and features a pink equal sign inspired by the HRC logo that took over social media in anticipation of today’s decision.  AWEARNESS, The Kenneth Cole Foundation will donate 100% of the net-profits from the sale of each t-shirt to HRC.

Additionally, Kenneth Cole is hosting in-store events June 27 in New York City and San Francisco with local screen printers on-site to print customers’ favorite Kenneth Cole and HRC graphic collaboration.

To learn more about Kenneth Cole Productions longstanding support of equality visit http://www.awearness.com/#Page_IssuesArchiveCivilLibertiesPage

Kenneth Cole New York Launches New Limited Edition Watch Benefitting amfAR

Change… Powered By You

KENNETH COLE NEW YORK, through its licensee partner, the GENEVA WATCH GROUP, unveils the KENNETH COLE NEW YORK LIMITED EDITION POWERED BY YOU WATCH, the newest style in its popular automatic watch collection. The limited edition POWERED BY YOU WATCH is designed to inspire individuals to generate change in their global community. Through its partnership with KENNETH COLE NEW YORK and a continuation of both companies’ long standing commitment to giving back, GENEVA WATCH GROUP will donate at least $25,000 from the sale of the watches to amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

Kenneth Cole Limited-Edition ‘Powered by You’ Watch. (PRNewsFoto/Geneva Watch Group)

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $340 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.