NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fashion
designer Kenneth Cole and actress
Sarah Jessica Parker have joined
forces in support of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, with
the creation of a limited edition evening bag that will be
auctioned live at the New York
amfAR Gala on February 6. The bag, which features the
inscription "We're All Potential Carriers", includes a condom
inside, and was inspired by the notion that every woman should look
stylish and be safe.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130204/NY53591 )
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111101/MM98089LOGO )
In addition to being auctioned at the amfAR Gala, the bag will
make its runway debut at the Kenneth
Cole fashion show on February 7. In order to
raise additional funds for amfAR, 20 of the bags will be sold
during the live stream of the fashion show with 100% of the
proceeds being donated to amfAR.
"It's been an amazing experience to collaborate with
Kenneth Cole on the design of a
handbag supporting amfAR," says Sarah
Jessica Parker. "Kenneth has used his platform as a fashion
designer for nearly 30 years to advocate for amfAR's mission to end
AIDS. I'm thrilled this bag will help raise money and awareness for
the 30 million people living with HIV and AIDS."
The gold-dusted black genuine snakeskin clutch will retail for
$1,000 and has a gunmetal frame
etched with Sarah Jessica Parker's
name. It also features a snake chain that can be tucked inside, a
wrist strap, and includes a wallet with room for credit cards and a
condom.
After taking a hiatus from the runway for seven years, fashion
designer and Chairman of amfAR wanted his return to Fashion Week to
be a salute to amfAR. During the live stream of his
show and throughout Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Kenneth will also
be donating $1 (up to $30K) to AIDS research @amfAR for every
@KennethCole follower that tweets using #KCRUNWAY.
As the Chairman of amfAR, Cole is also working closely with IMG
Fashion to bring the charities message to Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week. The amfAR New York Gala, as part of the official
calendar, will be kicking off the event with a special ribbon
cutting with Kenneth and other top American designers.
Additionally, the double red ribbon AIDS pin, which Cole
re-interpreted in collaboration with the MTV Staying Alive
Foundation in 2012, will be featured in the official event gift bag
going to industry VIP's. Guests of the event will see amfAR's
presence throughout Lincoln Center via special video footage and a
unique instillation created by Mercedes-Benz USA.
"As I returned to Fashion Week it was important for my show to
be about something bigger than just fashion. While we've made
tremendous strides towards finding a cure for AIDS, there is still
much work to be done, and so it's important to keep reminding
people that we're all potential carriers. Partnerships
with amfAR, devoted role models like Sarah
Jessica Parker, and organizations like IMG Fashion make a
critical difference in getting the AIDS message out there," says
Kenneth Cole. "The fact that
we are able to reach such an influential and inspiring group of
people (with this message) during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is
extremely powerful."
"Kenneth Cole is one of America's
most beloved designers and has always been an integral part of
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's history," says Peter Levy, SVP and Managing Director, IMG
Fashion Events and Properties. "His dedication to AIDS research is
extraordinary and we hope that by supporting amfAR and featuring
his Collection on our runways, we are able to further promote this
critical message."
Kenneth Cole will be honored by
amfAR on February 6 at the New York
Gala for his 27 years of AIDS activism, and his runway show will be
held the next day on February 7.
Additionally, Kenneth Cole is the
executive producer of the HBO documentary film "The Battle of
amfAR" which premiered January 18 at
the Sundance Film Festival.
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 New York, Kenneth Cole
Reaction, Unlisted and Le
Tigre, 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.
SOURCE Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.