Kenneth Cole Watches - Information About The Kenneth Cole Watches Brand

Kenneth Cole Watches

The story of the Kenneth Cole brand is one of innovation and resourcefulness. Back in the early 1980’s, Kenneth Cole wanted to open up a shoe company but as a young and unknown designer, he had limited funds. He had researched the industry well and knew that it was easier to obtain credit from factories in Europe who needed the business as opposed to approaching American banks for a business loan. Therefore Cole traveled out to Europe, designed a collection of shoes with the European manufacturers and returned to the United States to sell all 40,000 pairs them.

At that time in the industry there were two conventional ways that he could market and sell his shoes. He could get a room at the Hilton and become 1 of hundreds of shoe companies selling their products. Cole was not keen on this approach as it meant that his company would lack spark, identity or an image and he knew that these three things are vital when launching a new label. In addition, this process cost a great deal more money than the young designer had available. The only other way that Cole knew of was to take a larger scaled approach and get a showroom in Midtown Manhattan not far from the Hilton. Though this would provide more scope for the brand to create an identity for itself, it was far more expensive than the former idea.

Allowing his inner entrepreneur to take the lead, Cole had an idea. He had a friend in the trucking business and Cole asked to borrow one of his trucks to park in Midtown Manhattan. His friend agreed but warned Cole that it would be near impossible to get a parking permit. Cole went to the Mayor's office and enquired how to obtain permission to park a 40-foot trailer truck in Midtown Manhattan. The Mayer informed him that it wasn’t possible and that only people the city gives parking permits to are production companies shooting full length motion pictures, or utility companies such as Con Ed or AT&T.

Cole immediately saw an opportunity in the tricky situation and that day, changed the company letterhead from Kenneth Cole, Inc. to Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. The following day, he applied for a permit to shoot a full-length film entitled ‘The Birth of a Shoe Company.’

On the day of the ‘show’ Cole painted the name Kenneth Cole Productions on the side of the truck and parked at the prime area of 1370 6th Avenue, across from the New York Hilton. He opened for business with a fully furnished 40-foot trailer, a director, models posing as actresses, and two doormen. Cole’s innovative idea paid off as he sold all 40,000 pairs of shoes in the limited two and a half days he was granted parking permission to shoot the film.

Today, the company is still named Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. and the designer has consequently become renowned in the industry not only for his skills as a designer, but also as a forward thinker. He provides a great example of how important it is to adopt a resourceful and innovative approach when trying to solve problems in business.

Of course, Kenneth Cole made such a huge impact in those 2 and a half days, it was far more effect than elaborate marketing campaigns or advertising and it wasn’t long before his name spread in the industry. Today, the company offers 30 product categories including men's and women's footwear, accessories, watches and clothing. Kenneth Cole now has three labels - Kenneth Cole, Reaction, and unlisted.com.

His controversial advertising campaigns has also encouraged global attention and as an individual, Kenneth Cole is known for his sense of humour and consciousness of social issues. In 1985, Kenneth Cole was the first member of the fashion community to take a public stand in the fight against AIDS. Since then, he has continued to support the global fight and has contributed an ongoing portion of his brand’s marketing budget towards public awareness initiatives.

In addition, every year since Kenneth Cole Productions went public in 1994, the company has made it onto the Forbes' annual list of the World's 200 Best Small Companies in America. It also continues to be featured in Business Week's list of Top Hot Growth Companies. Kenneth Cole Productions continues to stand by the statement ‘What you stand for is more important than what you stand in’ and ‘To be aware is more important than what you wear’. Aside from being an incredibly talented designer, Cole has earned respect from the public and the fashion industry for his passion and contributions towards social issues.

Kenneth Cole Productions is primarily famous for its shoes, but the product lines also include stylish clothing, accessories, eyewear, hosiery, and luggage in addition to the collection of Kenneth Cole watches. The general theme of the brand is representing a classic American style that is also at the cutting edge of fashion and trends, and always aims to be accessible from a price perspective.

The collection of Kenneth Cole watches feature a wide array of ultra stylish designs with a range specifically for men and a further selection for women. Though the watches are contemporary and trend inspired, Kenneth Cole likes to inject his own unique twists in the designs, allowing them to remain distinctive and striking. The Kenneth Cole watches for men boast dynamic shapes, colours and designs with some watches super sleek, sophisticated and streamlined, whilst others are more bulky in aesthetic and sports-chic inspired. The Kenneth Cole watches for ladies are feminine, with an elegant allure and incorporate slim straps, bold dials and trend inspired colour and texture amalgamations.

Kenneth Cole watches are hugely versatile and will work to compliment a variety of looks, creating a statement but in a manner that is never too bold or ostentatious. They are also made using the finest quality materials, boasting accessible prices and a style that will easily transcend through the seasons.

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