Kenneth Cole New York Launches New Limited Edition Watch Benefitting amfAR

NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kenneth Cole New York, through its licensee partner, the Geneva Watch Group, unveils the limited edition Powered by You watch, the newest style in its renowned automatic watch collection. The limited edition Powered by You watch is designed to inspire individuals to generate change in their global community. Through its partnership with Kenneth Cole New York and a continuation of both companies' long standing commitment to giving back, Geneva Watch Group will donate at least $25,000 from the sale of the watches to amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130129/NY49149 )

Over 25 years ago, when publicly mentioning AIDS was still considered taboo, Kenneth Cole used his platform as a fashion designer to launch a series of provocative advertising campaigns that helped generate awareness and raise funds for research aimed at finding a cure.

In 2011, Cole partnered with amfAR and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation on the reinterpretation of the iconic AIDS ribbon and created a celebrity driven international PSA campaign, re-igniting a new wave of awareness about the disease with the millennial generation. Now in his 8th year as Chairman of amfAR, Cole furthers his dedication to amfAR, an organization that has eased the burden of millions around the world living with AIDS.

"This is the time to step up our investment in a cure for AIDS," says Kenneth Cole. "This new, limited edition Powered by You watch is intended to cultivate a call-to-action for today's generation to find a cure."

Change:…Powered by You – KENNETH COLE
As the automatic watch is powered solely by the wearer, so is the ability to impact social change. Wearers can fashionably show their support for AIDS awareness through the watch's red color details. Each limited edition Powered by You watch features a vibrant red hand on the sub second dial, red minute track accents and an enameled double loop red ribbon on the case back, symbolizing united efforts to finding a cure for AIDS.

Features: Power for You
With a renewed spirit of innovation, the limited edition Powered by You watch design is a testament to Kenneth Cole New York's continued technological development of the automatic watch. The exhibition case back exposes the beauty of the watch's 21 Jewel self-winding automatic movement. Designed with both male and female trendsetters in mind, the watch features a skeleton silver dial with rose gold accents, a stainless steel band and case with rose gold colored rotating rachet bezel.

"The sleek design of the Kenneth Cole New York limited edition Powered by You watch reflects the spirit of today's consumer – cutting edge, stylish and socially aware," says Jeff Gregg, Geneva Watch Group CEO. "We are excited to combine community outreach efforts with Kenneth Cole in support of this mission by adding to the more than 340 million raised by amfAR since their founding in 1985."

The Kenneth Cole New York limited edition Powered by You watch (SRP$250) will be available at Kenneth Cole retail stores, www.kennethcole.com, and in department stores worldwide this Spring.

About Kenneth Cole Productions Inc.
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. designs, sources and markets a broad range of footwear, handbags, apparel and accessories under the brand names Kenneth Cole Collection, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Unlisted, as well as footwear under the proprietary trademark Gentle Souls. The Company has also granted a wide variety of third party licenses for the production of men's, women's and children's apparel as well as fragrances, watches, jewelry, eyewear and several other accessory categories. The Company's products are distributed through department stores, better specialty stores, company-owned retail stores and its e-commerce website. Further information can be found at http://www.kennethcole.com.

About Geneva Watch Group:
Founded in 1974, Geneva Watch Group is a global leader in the design, manufacturing and the distribution of digital and analog watches and clocks. The company creates timepieces under license for fashion and lifestyle brands such as Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, Kensie, Moschino, Tommy Bahama, Speedo, Ted Baker London and Zoo York. Geneva Watch Group also produces its own proprietary brands including Freestyle, performance watch brand for active and outdoor enthusiasts, Gametime, providing team sports logo watches for the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and major universities, and luxury watch brand BREIL. In addition to creating timepieces under license for esteemed brands and its own, Geneva Watch Group also designs and manufacturers watches and clocks under private label for most of the world's largest retailers.   For more information, please visit www.GenevaWatchGroup.com.

About amfAR: 
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $340 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.   www.amfar.org  

Media Contacts:
R/West
Chandni Patel
[email protected], 917.741.3835

Kenneth Cole Productions
Samantha Cohen
[email protected], 212.830.7454

Geneva Watch Group
Pamela Roccabruna
[email protected], 917.475.8590

SOURCE Geneva Watch Group