Kenneth Cole Collaborates with Haitian Artisans on Handcrafted Sandals to Support the Haitian Community

NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Designer and activist Kenneth Cole announces the launch of a limited-edition sandal collaboration with Haitian artisans tied to the five year anniversary of the Haiti earthquake. On a recent visit to Haiti, Kenneth visited the Deux Mains sandal workshop -- a grassroots social enterprise that uses upcycled tires and locally sourced leathers to make one-of-a-kind sandals. In collaboration with their shoemakers, Kenneth designed "The Love-Haiti Sandals" to support the community. 

The sandals (for him and her) are each available in three colors. They retail from $69.00 to $79.00 and come with a stylish burlap tote with the phrase "We are in a LOVE-HAITI relationship." The sandals are available at KennethCole.com as well as select Kenneth Cole retail stores beginning January 12, 2015.

"Since shortly after the earthquake five years ago we have sought to play a role in helping to rebuild Haiti," says Kenneth Cole. "Although the press and cameras are gone, the needs of the community are not. This sandal collaboration is one more step in our effort to put our foot-wear it makes a difference."

Deux Mains is an innovative Haitian-lead social enterprise that provides sustainable income for its sandal makers which empowers them to reunite their families, provide themselves with food and medical care, send their children to school, and accumulate savings for long-term stability. The Love-Haiti sandals offer an alternative solution to tire burning in Port-au-Prince by upcycling tires into unique handmade sandals.

"Deux Mains believes that empowering citizens through dignified employment is the way to end global poverty.  I am delighted that a worldwide icon like Kenneth Cole shares our vision and is partnering with Deux Mains to support job creation in our Haitian workshop."  Julie Colombino, CEO- Deux Mains Designs.

In 2010 when the earthquake hit Haiti, Kenneth Cole Productions launched an in-store shoe drive and shipped thousands of pairs to Haitians who desperately needed shoes. Next, Kenneth Cole launched a community-building initiative: an in-store fundraising program and multiple associate volunteer trips to Haiti to help rebuild the community.

Shortly after that, the brand built The Kenneth Cole Haiti Health Center (The KCHHC) at St. Mary's Hospital in Cite Soleil – one of the most underserved areas in the Western Hemisphere. The KCHHC is part of a tri-level collaborative medical system in partnership with the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, and is accessible to over 1.5 million people. The St. Luke Foundation for Haiti (a Haitian-run organization employing more than 1,000 Haitian staff) provides education, medical care, and dignified humanitarian outreach through key programs.

Most recently, Kenneth Cole opened a store in Haiti at the Kinam Hotel in Petitionville. The store contributes to The KCHHC and has collaborations with local artisans, providing jobs and funds to the local community.

ABOUT KENNETH COLE PRODUCTIONS, INC.

Kenneth Cole is an American designer, social activist, and visionary who believes business and philanthropy are interdependent. His global company, Kenneth Cole Productions, creates modern, functional clothing, shoes, and accessories for inspirational urban lifestyles under the brand names Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, and Unlisted, as well as footwear under the name Gentle Souls. The company has also granted a wide variety of third party licenses for the production of men's and women's apparel, fragrances, watches, jewelry, eyewear, and several other accessory categories including children's footwear. The company's products are distributed through department stores, better specialty stores, company-owned retail stores, and its e-commerce website.

Over 30 years ago, Kenneth Cole leveraged his passion and unique brand platform to make a meaningful impact on people's wardrobes, as well as communities in need. He did what others didn't and said what others wouldn't.  Today, The Kenneth Cole Foundation remains committed to helping communities in need by supporting Collective Health, Civil Liberties, and Artistic Activism.

ABOUT DEUX MAIN

Deux Mains (deu-meh) Designs, inspired by its Haitian origins and French-Creole translation, "two hands," produces authentic handmade fashion footwear from up-cycled tires. With a mission to end poverty by improving the quality of life for Haitian craftsmen and women, Deux Mains' sandal sales directly restore dignity and economic stability for Haiti through the talent of its own citizens. Deux Mains was inspired by and works in collaboration with REBUILD globally, a nonprofit based in Orlando, Florida, that has helped Deux Mains upcycle nearly 6,000 tires, employ 21 earthquake survivors, and grow sales 760% since its founding in 2010. Deux Mains Designs operates in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

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SOURCE Kenneth Cole