“After working with my father for two years, we started Candie's, a line of imported shoes from Italy. Then in 1982 I set out to start my own business.”

American designer, social activist, business owner, and philanthropist

Kenneth D. Cole is an American designer, social activist, business owner, and philanthropist. He is known for founding Kenneth Cole Productions and building it into a global company. His company makes clothing and other products under the labels Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction Kenneth Cole, and Unlisted, and it also produces footwear under Gentle Souls. Beyond business, Cole is associated with social activism and philanthropy, which form part of his public identity alongside his work in fashion.