Kenneth Cole Reaction
Kenneth Cole Productions · United States
Kenneth Cole Reaction is an American fashion label from Kenneth Cole Productions, the New York company founded by designer Kenneth Cole in 1982. It offers clothing, footwear and accessories at a more accessible price than the main Kenneth Cole New York line.
| Parent company | Kenneth Cole Productions |
|---|---|
| Company founded | 1982, New York |
| Founder | Kenneth Cole |
| Sister labels | Kenneth Cole New York, Unlisted |
| Website | kennethcole.com |
What is Kenneth Cole Reaction?
Kenneth Cole Reaction is one of the labels of Kenneth Cole Productions, the company founded in New York by Kenneth Cole in 1982. It sits alongside Kenneth Cole New York and Unlisted in the group's portfolio and covers clothing and accessories as well as shoes.
History
Kenneth Cole started his company in 1982 as Kenneth Cole Incorporated. It was renamed Kenneth Cole Productions after a permit issue around a trailer he used to show shoes at the New York shoe fair, an episode that became part of the brand's story. The company went public in 1994 and was named four times on the Forbes list of the 200 Best Small Companies up to 2008.
Products and positioning
Reaction is positioned as an accessible line within the Kenneth Cole family. The wider Kenneth Cole offer spans men's and women's shoes, clothing, handbags, watches, bags, luggage and fragrance.
Distribution
Kenneth Cole Productions sells through department stores, specialty stores, company-owned shops and online.
Why it matters
Reaction is an example of a designer company using a second label to reach a broader customer through department stores, while keeping the main line for a higher price point.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Kenneth Cole Reaction?
Kenneth Cole Reaction is a label of Kenneth Cole Productions, the company founded by designer Kenneth Cole in 1982.
What is the difference between Kenneth Cole Reaction and Kenneth Cole New York?
Kenneth Cole New York is the main line, while Reaction offers clothing, shoes and accessories at a more accessible price.