Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. was founded in 1983 by Kenneth Cole selling shoes out of the back of a truck trailer in front of Bryant Park. Today, the Company has retail sales in excess of 1.5 billion dollars and is renowned as a champion of social causes both through their provocative, often controversial advertising, and through various events and initiatives that raise funds for charitable organizations.

The Company has five main brands: Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, Tribeca, Unlisted and Gentle Souls.

Kenneth Cole Reaction was introduced in 1996 with a line of men’s casual footwear. Kenneth Cole Reaction was born out of a need for a more casual, less expensive component to Kenneth Cole New York. It was conceived to be fun and functional, youthful, energetic, more tongue-in-cheek and not so corporate and serious. Kenneth Cole Reaction is about how individuals put outfits together, not just a pair of shoes.

Over the past 10 years, Kenneth Cole Reaction has developed into a full lifestyle business featuring clothing, footwear and accessories. Products are available in department stores and specialty stores as well as in freestanding international stores.

Juxtaposed against Kenneth Cole New York’s more sophisticated style, Kenneth Cole Reaction is more youthful in spirit, fun and colorful. Bold colors, clean lines and the incorporation of new technology gives Kenneth Cole Reaction a modern sensibility. Form follows function, attracting a comfort-seeking, fast-paced customer. Functional and contemporary, the Kenneth Cole Reaction consumer is perfectly dressed for a casual workday or to enjoy their downtime.