Kenneth Cole New York opens first exclusive store in the Middle East

The 3000 sq. ft. store will offer the latest Autumn/Winter collection for men and women.

The store was formally inaugurated by the Honorable US Consul General Jason Davis, at a high-profile event at the New Bur Juman, in the presence of Ms Ellen Rodriguez, Vice President, International licensing, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. and Mr. Nilesh Ved, Managing Director, Apparel LLC, the company which has introduced the brand in the Middle East through an exclusive license agreement.

Kenneth Cole New York is one of the world's leading urban, lifestyle brands with a vast repertoire of apparel and accessories, including shoes, watches and handbags for men and women. Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., the holding company for the brand, is located in New York City and in 2004 just celebrated its 20th anniversary of business.

Kenneth Cole, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. is a renowned social activist, who has married his sense of fashion with a sensitivity to hot-button social issues. His thought provoking ad campaigns, which have earned the company great recognition, have touched upon several socially relevant topics.

In a special message from the Kenneth Cole headquarters in New York, Mr. Cole said: "Fashion is an important and alluring medium, a social and political mirror, a reflection of how we feel about our community and our life in general. Fashion tells us who we are, individually and collectively at any point of time. From the time I started our company, I've looked for ways to make what we do about something more than what we wear through campaigns on raising awareness on social issues. I believe that if channeled correctly, fashion can become an important conduit for change."

Upbeat about the entry of the brand into the Middle East he said, "We have been watching the growth and evolution of the fashion industry very keenly and eagerly and feel that it is the right time to enter the market when it is in the throes of an unprecedented boom. Having laid a lot of importance on the choice of associate, we believe that in Apparel LLC, we have found a passionate and knowledgeable partner, who is extremely committed to nurturing and growing the brand in the region."

Speaking at the launch event Ms Ellen Rodriguez, Vice President, International licensing, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. said that the opening of the region's first Kenneth Cole store in Dubai was an extremely significant step for the brand.

Said Ms Rodriguez, "Dubai, in particular leads the region with its high influx of global brands and we are excited to commence our regional presence from this dynamic and vibrant city and plan to aggressively expand our chain in the key GCC markets in the next two years."

Kenneth Cole products are targeted to appeal to fashion conscious consumers, reflecting a casual urban perspective and a lifestyle uniquely associated with Kenneth Cole. These products include core basics that generally remain in demand from season to season and fashion products that are designed to establish or capitalize on market trends.

Commenting on the launch of the Kenneth Cole store Mr Nilesh Ved, Managing Director, Apparel LLC said, "We are certain that the brand will find immense appeal amongst the youth with its distinct 'fashion with a cause' concept. Over the years the brand has achieved global recognition as one that offers thought-provoking commentary and raises social consciousness through its clean lines and clear marketing campaigns. We are confident that this urban brand will be well received by those who seek fashion with an attitude."

The opening of the new Kenneth Cole store adds to the rich repertoire of global fashion, footwear and accessory brands that Apparel LLC represents in Dubai. These include leading international names such as Nine West, Basler, Alain Monoukian, Padini Authentic, SEED, Strand Bags, Athletes Foot and Gocoo Kids. The company also operates a network of retail outlets for these brands in key Gulf markets. In addition, the company has similar arrangements for Mango, Nine West, La Senza and Bally in India.

Mr. Ved concluded, "The addition of Kenneth Cole to our portfolio of premium fashion-wear fits in with our strategy of bringing the finest lifestyle products to the doorsteps of our valued customers. We are extremely proud to be associated with the brand which has been successful in setting a bench-mark for excellence and creative innovation within the high profile fashion industry. Kenneth Cole will definitely enhance our collection of international fashion and lifestyle brands."