Posts Tagged ‘Kenneth Cole’

Chatting With Kenneth Cole About His New 925 Technology

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Getting through a nine-to-five in high heels wrecks havoc on our poor soles. To minimize the aches, pains and unbecoming waddling, we stash flats in our bags and go barefoot discreetly under our desks. We’ve learned to accept that with fabulous footwear comes unavoidable pain, but Kenneth Cole’s 925 Technology promises style and comfort.

Thursday night the designer visited his Michigan Avenue store to launch the 925 Technology Silver Edition. The collection features a pump ($160), bootie ($195), slingback ($135), and two flats ($135), all with the new 925 cushioning system and a signature silver heel.  As anxious shoppers waited to try on the shoes and get autographs, we sat down with Kenneth Cole to discuss this exciting collection (and a few other things just for kicks!).     

SA: What was the initial thought behind the 925 Technology?
KC: No one needs another pretty shoe because you’ve already got them, but everyone needs the most comfortable shoe they ever looked good in. So, we started with that staple in every woman’s wardrobe, and my goal was to do more for a woman than any other man has below the ankles.

SA: Several other brands claim to have the most comfortable heels. How are you doing it better?
KC: There’s a lot of comfortable footwear alternatives, but none of them are pretty and feminine and are ones you can wear to work, at work, and maybe even after work. This product is so significant because a lot of it is mostly natural materials. It’s [made with] flaxseed, which moves with the foot, as opposed to manmade, synthetic cushioning that breaks down over time. These become more and more comfortable the more you wear it, and they’ve got layers and layers of stuff that absorb moisture and absorb shock. 

SA: What was your challenge when creating the 925 Technology Silver Edition?
KC: My challenge was to create a feminine shoe, a pretty shoe. Maybe a pointy toe, maybe not, but a shoe with natural, organic movement and comfort technology. We created them with a business we acquired three year ago, Gentle Soles, which has its cult following. It’s very hard to do because you have less space to build up that cushioning and support. We refer to this as a “Movement to Support Movement!”

SA: Do you have plans to expand the 925 Technology?
KC: It’s going to be in all the shoes, which is exciting. We also have another project called Awearness, which is about service, volunteerism and social change. It’s also now a book. Periodically we launch a product, and the proceeds go to the Awearness Fund. The product this month is a rubber boot and a riding boot, with the proceeds going through the Awearness Fund and to AIDS research, which is an organization I run independently. So, it’s a way to make what you do bigger than it is, and you can truly feel good about the work you are doing.

SA: You have been involved in AIDS awareness for a very long time. How often do you do a product like this?
KC: We always look for ways to tell that story because it’s hard to tell it today. People have become numb and desensitized, so the goal was to find creative ways through products, merchandising, branding and marketing to tell that story.

SA: Now for the slightly more personal questions. What’s one item you can’t live without?
KC: I think we can’t live without our technology. We all seem to be overwhelmed with our need to be connected. I have this Facebook page because I’m supposed to do that. I’m supposed to connect with people on their terms, and it’s been a very interesting process. I’ve been trying to make friends, but it’s not so easy. So, if you have any friends that want friends or need friends, so do I! I’ve also been Tweeting and did a little something about tonight.

SA: What are you buying yourself for the holidays?
KC: Oh man… I’m probably going to buy myself a new camera, which is very odd right now because typically everything today consolidates all our technological needs into singular devices. But we still need a good camera.

SA: How would you define Chicago’s style?
KC: I think Chicago is a cool city, and I think it’s very urban. It’s very cool but very sensible and practical. I love Chicago, and we’ve had a wonderful following here and great business for many years. I think our business translates very well here.

We would have to agree!

By Meghan Turner

Shoe images courtesy of Kenneth Cole. Photography by Chelcie S. Porter

Tags: 925 Technology Silver Edition, Accessories, Awearness Fund, Chicago Events, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Kenneth Cole, Shoes
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