Kenneth Cole talks to LCF students

by Sarah Owens

London College of Fashion (LCF) crowded into the Rootstein Hopkins Space on Thursday March 4, to hear an intimate talk with American designer Kenneth Cole.

Cole began his business over 25 years ago from the back of a trailer.  He spoke warmly of his entrance into the fashion business and offered insights into his experiences as a successful designer and CEO.

Cole currently designs men's and women's footwear, clothing and accessories. With nearly 100 Kenneth Cole retail stores in the US and 75 internationally, Cole has been able to unite his fashion instincts and business acumen with his philanthropic convictions.

 
As Chairman to The Foundation for Aids Research, and a founding board member to the homeless organization HELP USA, Cole has made it his business to fuse fashion with social action.

During his visit to LCF, Cole passed on advice to the students on how to maintain longevity in such a competitive industry and how to take “those first steps”. 

“To understand not only what we do, but also the context of what we do is critical. it’s a humbling thought, but nobody needs what you sell” he said.

One student asked his thoughts on the recent financial crisis, asking whether “the freezing of the credit markets” has impacted on becoming successful.

 “I don’t think it is harder, I just think you need to be more creative. But in truth, there is no better time to start a business than now. Because when things are going well, people only want to invest in what is working,” Cole said.

The discussion came to a close with an enthusiastic round of applause for Cole. Afterwards students had the opportunity to chat with the designer.