We’ve been so distracted by the glitz and the flash these days that we needed something like Kenneth Cole’s Fall 2017 collection to focus on what matters: craftsmanship. What better way to be reminded than meeting the designer himself?
It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Cole and have him introduce his latest pieces, a nod to the brand’s city roots. In line with the brand’s innate respect for traditional values and its openness to modern aesthetics, “Urban Artisan” becomes the overarching theme.
Women will definitely find something here. While the clothes keep the brand’s signature washes, finishes and processes, they are made with contemporary features like crushed velvet, burnished and patent leathers, faux fur and cozy knits.
Its urban identity is also apparent in the designs. Utilizing the theme of “Botanic Utility”
—the harmony between the industrial and the natural—the pieces use shades of green, sprinkled with accents of cherry red and black.
These include an elongated bomber, leather moto jacket, slip dress, T-shirt dress, oversized hoodie, knit and woven jogger and leather mini skirt, among many
others.
The shoes take a maximalist turn with generous amounts of embroidery, hand beading and sparkle. Throw in some metal studs, jewels, gems, florals, stars, fur and feathers—you get the idea!
Urban menswear
Contrasting with the ladies’ wear is the menswear that honors tradition and simplicity. Subscribing to the theme of “The Urban Uniform,” the collection consists of cool, easy-to-put together items that become the sartorial foundation of a modern man’s wardrobe.
In pink, black, brown, blues, abstract camo and shades of bordeaux, the silhouettes take a slim form and employ functional details. Key items include a trademarked Techni-Cole sport coat, stretch roll-sleeve crew, neoprene hoodie and the Techni-Cole Chelsea L-pocket paint.
The modern classics like the iconic oxford take over the men’s footwear. Each one is updated with a clean and straightforward look and Techni-Cole features, including its microclimate comfort system, 35.5 Technology.
Other features include a water-resistant suede finish, rubber bottoms for inclement weather and ultra-lightweight flexible construction for added comfort. There’s also the suit sneaker for the snazzy sneakerheads out there.
Enjoy these in colors of bordeaux, rust, navy and browns, and in a unique combination of materials.
