Kenneth Cole Productions

Kenneth Cole Productions is a New York-based fashion brand founded in 1982. For over 40 years, the company has blended design-first footwear and apparel with cultural commentary, becoming a globally recognized label known for witty social messaging and modern American style.

Founded by Kenneth Cole in 1982, Kenneth Cole Productions began with a single footwear line launched under the temporary name Kenneth Cole, Inc. The brand quickly evolved into a full fashion house, maintaining its New York identity while expanding into apparel, accessories, and fragrance. Cole led the company for decades as founder, chairman, and creative director, building a reputation for designs that sparked conversation beyond the runway.

In 2025, the company made a rare leadership transition. Kenneth Cole appointed Jed Berger as CEO and president, shifting from a historically design-driven model to a marketing-led approach centered on storytelling. Emily Cole was elevated to executive vice president and chief product officer. The change signaled that while the brand's aesthetic would remain, its operational engine would prioritize narrative and market strategy.

The company operates from its New York headquarters and retails globally through its own stores, department store partners, and e-commerce. Its mission has always been about more than product — using fashion as a platform for social advocacy, most notably through the Mental Health Coalition.