Company Directory - Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.
Company Details - Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.

Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.
WebsiteNew York, United States
Kenneth Cole New York is an American fashion brand known for its footwear, handbags, and clothing. The brand is celebrated for merging style with a commitment to social awareness, offering a wide range of contemporary fashion products.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.
33.47
-0.02%
Latest Event
Kenneth Cole’s Legacy of Progressive Corporate Activism
The article highlights Kenneth Cole’s long-standing commitment to social justice through his early AIDS activism, advocacy for mental health awareness, and the launch of the Mental Health Coalition (MHC). The piece celebrates his use of creative storytelling and high-profile events (such as screenings and Q&As) to shift public perspectives and drive change, marking a legacy that intertwines fashion with ethical corporate advocacy.
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DISSENTER
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. is currently rated as a Dissenter.
Latest Events
- FEB172025
The article highlights Kenneth Cole’s long-standing commitment to social justice through his early AIDS activism, advocacy for mental health awareness, and the launch of the Mental Health Coalition (MHC). The piece celebrates his use of creative storytelling and high-profile events (such as screenings and Q&As) to shift public perspectives and drive change, marking a legacy that intertwines fashion with ethical corporate advocacy.
+80
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
Kenneth Cole’s extensive record of executive political engagement—including his role as an AIDS activist, his public discussions on social injustice, and his establishment of the Mental Health Coalition—demonstrates a robust commitment to progressive values. His actions help mobilize support and encourage corporate activism against authoritarian and repressive narratives, making his approach a strong positive example under the Public and Political Behavior umbrella.
- OCT012023
Kenneth Cole Productions outlines robust supply chain management and human rights due diligence measures on its CSR page, emphasizing supplier audits, training for associates to identify forced labor risks, and adherence to international labor standards.
+80
Supply Chain Ethics
March 27
Kenneth Cole Productions demonstrates a strong commitment to supply chain ethics by implementing internal systems to monitor supplier practices, conducting initial and ongoing audits of new factories, and addressing risks related to human trafficking and forced labor, in line with standards such as the California Supply Chains Act and UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 27
The company places significant emphasis on labor relations by requiring training for select associates to identify and address human rights issues, demonstrating proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with forced labor and exploitation.
- JAN012023
Kenneth Cole Productions’ CSR disclosure outlines rigorous supply chain standards, including mandatory supplier certifications, independent audits, and termination of partnerships failing to meet human rights standards related to forced labor and human trafficking.
+90
Supply Chain Ethics
March 27
Kenneth Cole Productions has demonstrated proactive measures in its supply chain management by enforcing strict supplier certifications, regular audits, and clear corrective actions to avoid forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking. These practices underscore a commitment to ethical business operations and the protection of human rights, aligning with progressive, anti-authoritarian values.
- DEC312021
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. released its 2021 statement under the UK Modern Slavery Act 2020 outlining robust measures to ensure ethical supply chain practices. The company detailed actions such as comprehensive supplier audits, contractual obligations enforcing non-use of forced or child labor, on-site inspections, and a confidential hotline for workers to report concerns, reinforcing its commitment to combating modern slavery and human trafficking.
+80
Supply Chain Ethics
March 27
Kenneth Cole's detailed Modern Slavery Act statement describes proactive measures in monitoring and ensuring responsible supply chain practices. The company's commitment to regular audits, supplier compliance checks, and corrective action plans, as well as the training of both internal staff and third-party auditors, indicates a strong ethical approach that counters authoritarian practices in supply chains.
- DEC202018
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. demonstrates a long-standing commitment to social activism by advocating for LGBTQ rights, gun safety, HIV/AIDS awareness, and community rebuilding. A recent highlight is its partnership with Broadway's 'The Prom', which included creating a custom sneaker and a t-shirt whose proceeds are donated to the UN Foundation in support of LGBTQI+ equality, reinforcing its progressive brand message.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
March 27
Kenneth Cole has consistently leveraged its platform to address key social issues, including LGBTQ rights, gun safety, and community rebuilding, which serves as a counterbalance to authoritarian narratives. The company's public engagement and progressive messaging contribute positively to democratic discourse.
Kenneth Cole On Activism, Politics, Responsibility And Authentic Engagement
+60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
By integrating activism into its business model through ethical partnerships and cause-driven product lines, Kenneth Cole exhibits strong business practices that emphasize social responsibility. This approach helps to redefine commercial success beyond profit, aligning the brand with progressive values and resisting authoritarian commercial practices.
Kenneth Cole On Activism, Politics, Responsibility And Authentic Engagement
- NOV022017
HIV advocates are calling for Kenneth Cole to step down from his role as amfAR Board Chair following revelations that in 2015 he accepted a strings-attached donation from Harvey Weinstein for a Cannes auction. This decision, made over staff objections, led to board resignations and a criminal investigation, raising serious concerns about ethical governance and accountability.
-70
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
Kenneth Cole's approval of a donation with attached conditions from a controversial figure like Harvey Weinstein, despite internal objections and subsequent legal investigations, undermines public accountability and ethical leadership. Such executive political engagement sets a dangerous precedent by prioritizing personal or organizational gain over transparent and responsible governance.
HIV Advocates Call on amfAR Board Chair Kenneth Cole to Step Down
- JAN012017
The documentary 'A MAN with SOLE: The Impact of Kenneth Cole' highlights the brand's 40-year commitment to social causes, including AIDS awareness, LGBTQIA+ rights, civil liberties, homelessness, and mental health. This long-standing advocacy reflects a proactive, socially responsible corporate strategy that challenges traditional profit-first business norms.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
March 27
The documentary emphasizes Kenneth Cole Productions’ proactive engagement in social justice and public issues by supporting causes like AIDS awareness, LGBTQIA+ rights, and civil liberties. This positions the company as a model of positive public and political behavior countering authoritarian norms.
+70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
By integrating cause-driven priorities—such as early AIDS activism and current initiatives to combat mental health stigma—into its business model, Kenneth Cole Productions demonstrates ethical business practices that prioritize social welfare over simple commerce. This ethical stance stands in opposition to authoritarian, profit-only interests.
- JAN012010
The article reports that Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. recorded political contributions totaling $13,560 in 2010. The piece is part of a broader dataset of contributions made by the company over several years. No evidence was provided that these contributions supported far‑right or authoritarian causes.
+0
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
The article cites a contribution total of $13,560 for 2010 without indicating a partisan or authoritarian slant in the donation recipients. In the absence of evidence linking the contributions to far‑right or authoritarian causes, this political contribution record is assessed as neutral from an anti‑fascist perspective.
- APR162007
On April 16, 2007, a California court ruling mandated that Kenneth Cole Productions pay an additional hour’s wage to a store manager for working a nine‐hour shift without a break, drawing attention to shortcomings in its labor practices.
-40
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 27
The ruling against Kenneth Cole Productions for failing to provide mandated breaks highlights significant issues in labor relations and worker rights. Such practices undermine fair labor standards and reflect negatively on the company’s ethical responsibility.
- JAN011994
In 1994, Kenneth Cole Productions ran a partisan political ad during the New York state gubernatorial race that, along with its longstanding charitable initiatives and socially conscious advertising campaigns, underscored its progressive approach and commitment to supporting marginalized causes.
+35
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
The company’s 1994 political advertisement, which critiqued established political figures, highlights an active engagement in political discourse. This, paired with sustained efforts in promoting social causes such as AIDS awareness, homelessness support, and progressive advertising, contributes to a positive anti-authoritarian stance.
+30
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
Kenneth Cole Productions' extensive engagement in charitable works and social awareness campaigns—ranging from AIDS awareness to initiatives for the homeless—demonstrates a commitment to ethical responsibility and supports progressive social values.
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