In celebration of a rich heritage of brand innovation and social impact, Kenneth Cole Productions and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) proudly partner to create the first of its kind, Kenneth Cole Footwear + Accessory Innovation Award.
Dedicated to Men’s and/or Women’s Accessory Design (Footwear and Handbags), this unique post-graduate opportunity encourages focus to design specialization and interest in community based social initiatives. The Kenneth Cole Footwear + Accessory Innovation Award challenges Senior Year design students of invited CFDA Educational Initiatives schools to develop a portfolio based submission containing a collection of footwear or handbag based accessory design. In addition to striving for design excellence, the collection’s concept is to be supported by a fully envisioned brand story encompassing a social or community based component.
The Kenneth Cole Footwear + Accessory Innovation Award will identify a minimum of one (1) BFA/ BA fashion design graduate best demonstrating creative strength and professional potential in the areas of accessory design, brand storytelling, and civic engagement as showcased within a portfolio based submission.
The recipient will be awarded the distinction of Kenneth Cole Footwear + Accessory Innovation Fellow and receive a 12-month, full-time, post-graduate placement within Kenneth Cole Productions supported by an annual stipend of $50,000.
Rich with mentorship, the Kenneth Cole Footwear + Accessory Innovation Award will build both conceptual and practical skills while promoting creative entrepreneurship and collaboration. During the year-long placement, the awarded designer(s) will be working rotationally within various areas of the Kenneth Cole Productions design team. Additionally, the placement will explore the power of design to create value in society through empowered awareness culminating with an applied project-based learning opportunity within Kenneth Cole Foundation’s Corporate Citizenship division.
