
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to Marie Claire. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Kenneth Cole is a problem solver. In 1982, when the designer didn't have the means to rent a fancy showroom to launch his footwear brand, he improvised by changing the label's name to Kenneth Cole Productions Inc., renting a trailer, and obtaining a permit to park it on the streets of Midtown Manhattan by masquerading as a documentary film crew. (He went on to sell 40,000 pairs of shoes in three days.)
But that's small stuff compared with the problems Cole has been addressing in Haiti since the disastrous 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck in 2010. The designer and longtime amfAR chair responded by organizing shoe drives in his stores, donating nearly 10,000 pairs to those in need. He also funded the Kenneth Cole Haiti Health Center in 2011, which operates out of St. Mary's Hospital in the impoverished Cité Soleil area.
Last year, the label launched its Look Good, For Good campaign, asking people to share on social media how they were helping their communities. The nine winners with the most impactful submissions—mentoring young girls, serving food to those in need—accompanied Cole on a trip to Haiti in November, where they toured the health center and prepared meals for a nearby orphanage. "Since my last visit, in 2011, tent cities had been replaced by permanent housing, and streets are now passable," says Cole. "Things have come a long way."
This month, which marks five years since the devastating quake, the designer has collaborated with nonprofit REBUILD Globally on two limited-edition styles of sandals that Haitian artisans handcrafted from recycled tires to boost the local economy. "I've realized that people come to the brand not just for the products we make, but because of what we stand for," he says. A fair point, since making a difference never goes out of fashion.
Kenneth Cole New York Love-Haiti Sandal for Her, $69; kennethcole.com.
You should also check out:
Kenneth Cole Debuts 'Kinky Boots' Capsule Collection
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
-
Naomi Campbell Added an Edgy New Element to Her Signature Sleek Hairstyle
We're talking about side-swept bangs, to be specific.
By Sophia Rivka Vilensky
-
Gigi Hadid’s Daughter Khai Gave Her the Sweetest Pedicure
Who needs a glam team when you have Khai?
By Sophia Rivka Vilensky
-
Jane Fonda Gave Her Signature Blowout a Textural Update
She changed her hair color, too.
By Sophia Rivka Vilensky
-
Red Club X Cartier Is Offering Invaluable Support for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
By Sara Holzman
-
Yara Shahidi Joins Forces With Cartier Women's Initiative to Empower Entrepreneurs
"Giving back is essential to existing in the world."
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Chloe's Top-Handle Penelope Bag
This eye-catching bag also does good for the planet.
By Sara Holzman
-
Mindy Kaling's Custom Jonathan Simkhai Gown Is a Nod to Chanel Couture
"I feel so confident in this gown."
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Isabel Marant's Oskan Moon Bag
"The key word is versatility."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Poppy Harlow
The CNN host's key to a great wardrobe? Borrowing from her stylish friends.
By Sara Holzman
-
The Making of Ariana DeBose's Custom Versace Gown
"When I first saw it, I was left speechless."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Silvia and Sofia Tcherassi
"Waking up early in the morning is a must."
By Sara Holzman