Kenneth Cole
Kenneth Cole
Full Name and Common Aliases
Kenneth Cole Productions is an American footwear company founded by Kenneth Cole in 1982.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 23, 1948 (age 75), Kenneth Cole is a renowned American designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Early Life and Background
Kenneth Cole grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from the University of Arizona and later attended the Parsons School of Design. However, he dropped out to pursue a career in fashion.
Cole began his journey by working as an intern at several clothing stores. His big break came when he designed a collection for the popular department store Bloomingdale's in 1968. He eventually opened his first retail store on Madison Avenue in New York City and launched his eponymous footwear brand.
Major Accomplishments
Kenneth Cole is widely recognized for revolutionizing the fashion industry with his innovative approach to designing shoes that are both stylish and functional. Some of his notable achievements include:
Launching a successful shoe company from scratch, which has become one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Creating the iconic Kenneth Cole brand, known for its classic designs, comfort, and affordability.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions by Kenneth Cole include:
Fashion Design: Cole's designs have been praised for their sleek lines, comfortable fit, and timeless appeal. His collections often feature a mix of modern styles with classic elements.
Philanthropy: In addition to his work in the fashion industry, Cole is also committed to philanthropic efforts.
Impact and Legacy
Kenneth Cole has left an indelible mark on the fashion world, not only through his designs but also through his entrepreneurial spirit. His company's commitment to quality, comfort, and style has made it a household name.
Cole's philanthropic work has also earned him recognition as a generous supporter of various causes. He continues to be involved in various charitable initiatives and uses his platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kenneth Cole is widely quoted and remembered for his witty sense of humor, which he often employs to convey his thoughts on fashion and life. His quotes and statements are frequently featured in publications and have become a part of pop culture.
His legacy extends beyond the world of fashion; Cole's commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility has made him a respected figure in the business community.
Quotes by Kenneth Cole
Giving back is something most companies look to do at certain times of the year. We as a company look to do it all year.
Through my ongoing work as a UNAIDS Ambassador and with the End AIDS Coalition, I remain personally committed to aligning resources and galvanizing global action and working with amfAR to make AIDS history.
In my opinion, being able to do some form of service is a gift. The one that provides the service is the greatest beneficiary - I will attest to it.
None of what I do is political. My messages are social and human messages. In many cases, they've been politicized but they are so much bigger than that.
Over the years, I have found a way to use this business and this platform to talk with people about important issues. To the degree you can bring a sense of purpose to what you do, it makes the relationship with the customer that much more meaningful and purposeful.
What people are consuming is what things represent. It's people defining themselves through what they wear.
Asking people for money is a hard thing to do. But helping people do the right thing is not hard. So I often call people up and suggest ways they can spend their money to make a meaningful impact, and I don't feel I've asked them for money.
My first AIDS campaign was in 1985. There was this dark cloud, everybody was socially inspired - we hadn't seen social consciousness like that since the '60s - but most people were talking about hunger in Africa. Nobody was talking about this really ominous circumstance here in the U.S. because of this fear of stigma.