How Kenneth Cole Pants Are Raising Awareness for Social Issues
Fashion is often seen as a way to express oneself. With new styles and trends constantly emerging, the clothing industry can sometimes appear shallow and self-absorbed. However, Kenneth Cole has proven that fashion can also be a tool for social change. In particular, their line of pants has been raising awareness for various social issues. Let’s take a closer look.
The Origins of the Kenneth Cole Pants
Kenneth Cole is a brand known for its progressiveness. Back in the 1980s, the brand was one of the first to use advertising as a way to discuss social and political issues. Since then, the brand has been associated with causes and championing social justice movements, including HIV/AIDS and gun control. The idea for the pants came from the brand’s own employees who grew frustrated with seeing workplace and social inequality. The pants were originally designed to raise awareness for Equal Pay Day, a day meant to highlight the ways in which women’s pay continues to lag behind men’s.
How the Pants Work
The pants feature social issue messages printed on the inside hem. When the wearer rolls up the cuffs, the message is visible. When the cuffs are left down, the message is hidden, akin to a secret of sorts. The messages on the pants vary widely. Some of the issues that Kenneth Cole has addressed in their pant lines include climate change, refugee rights, gun control, and social justice more generally. This design is both practical and pointed, allowing the wearer to show off their activism while also remaining functional and professional.
Cultural Impact of The Kenneth Cole Pants
The pants have been successful in raising awareness for social issues. In addition to starting important conversations, the pants have been featured in various fashion magazines, worn by celebrities, and even showcased in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (for pants printed with messages about the refugee crisis). They have become a cultural phenomenon, though one with deep meaning.
Conclusion
Fashion and social issues may at times seem like polar opposites, but when they come together, something truly special can happen. Kenneth Cole has demonstrated that fashion can be used to show your support for social change. The pants are more than just a marketing gimmick; they are a way of starting important conversations and inspiring people to take tangible action towards change. By wearing them, people may take pride in their values and share meaningful messages without ever having to say a word.
