Kenneth Cole has never been shy about expressing his point of view on current affairs. Political aphorisms, often in the form of puns, have been the mainstay of his advertising for more than a decade, and he used the moments before his fall show to present a short film that broadcast a few more ("Condoms should be used in all conceivable situations," etc.).
What those ideas have to do with Cole’s clothes is left to the viewer’s imagination, since the designer’s take on women’s fashion is decidedly unpolitical. The clean, simple collection was based around a few basic shapes clearly inspired by early-'60s mods. Minidresses and skirts were worn with flat silver boots; tight jeans and trousers were paired with short, fitted tops and sweaters, rendered in black, white, gray and silver with dashes of green, yellow or blue. Throughout, Cole used fabrics heavy on surface interest: felted wool, nubby knits, velvet and corduroy. The net effect was young and moderately sharp—just right for this designer’s style-savvy, but not edgy, consumer. Cole’s social conscience may be left of the mainstream, but his fashion is aimed squarely at center field.
