Haiti – more than a country, it is a passion shared by Donna Karan and Kenneth Cole. Both are inspired by the resilience and the creative spirit of Haitians in the face of adversity, and each has made it their mission to help change and grow a country that has had plenty adversity over time— from the devastating 2010 earthquake to HIV to extreme poverty.
Now, that passion has brought these two together. Cole and Karan partnered on the Urban Zen in collaboration with Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole footwear capsule. Consider it a perfect meeting of minds: the Gentle Souls label merges revolutionary technology with natural materials while Urban Zen seeks its inspiration by the cultures of the world and its offering includes soulful global artisan treasures.
01/05
Urban Zen in collaboration with Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole
Urban Zen in collaboration with Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole
“The courage, strength, and capacity of the Haitian people is limitless,” Cole said. “Our hope and intention of our involvement in Haiti is to empower the Haitian people with the tools necessary to build a healthier and stronger community. Our work there has begun to do that but has also evolved into so much more.”
“Kenneth and I,” Karan added, “connect the dots with our passion for helping Haiti through preservation of artisan work, education and healthcare by dressing and addressing the community in Haiti.”
The two CFDA members traveled to Haiti this past January to design the shoes, which are handmade there. Each piece celebrates Haiti’s rich artisan culture while also empowering the local workforce. The designers developed the designs in the workshop of local artisan Pascale Theard.
“As a designer I have always been drawn to something that is handmade. It has a soul behind it,” Karan added. “Someone has put his or her mind, body and spirit into it. Kenneth and I share this vision. My life is all about how “we” can make an impact and inspire change.”
The four styles in the Urban Zen in collaboration with Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole capsule are priced from $325-$375 and sold at Kenneth Cole Bond + Bowery, KennethCole.com, Urban Zen stores and UrbanZen.com.
“This collaboration with Kenneth is a reflection of how all the dots get connected, this is the true ‘sole’ of who we are as designers,” Karan noted.
