Eighteen
years ago, I wanted to open a shoe company with limited money. From
experience I knew one had to get in quickly because so often new
companies run out of cash flow before they get the chance to conduct
business. I also knew it was easier to get credit from factories in
Europe who needed the business than from American banks that didn't.
So I lined up the factories, went to Europe, designed a collection of
shoes, and returned to the states to sell them.
At the time, a shoe company had two options. You could get a room at
the Hilton and become 1 of about 1100 shoe companies selling their
goods. This didn't provide the identity or image I felt necessary for
a new company, and it cost a lot more money than I had to spend. The
other way was to do what the big companies do and get a fancy showroom
in Midtown Manhattan not far from the Hilton. More identity, much more
money too.
I had an idea.
I called a friend in the trucking business and asked to borrow one of
his trucks to park in Midtown Manhattan. He said sure, but good luck
getting permission. I went to the Mayor's office, Koch at the time,
and asked how one gets permission to park a 40 foot trailer truck in
Midtown Manhattan. He said one doesn't. The only people the city gives
parking permits to are production companies shooting full length
motion pictures and utility companies like Con Ed or AT&T. So that day
I went to the stationery store and changed our company letterhead from
Kenneth Cole, Inc. to Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. and the next day
I applied for a permit to shoot a full length film entitled "The Birth
of a Shoe Company."
With Kenneth Cole Productions painted on the side of the truck, we
parked at 1370 6th Avenue, across from the New York Hilton, the day of
shoe show. We opened for business with a fully furnished 40 ft
trailer, a director (Sometimes there was film in the camera, sometimes
there wasn't), models as actresses, and two of New York's finest,
compliments of Mayor Koch, as our doormen. We sold 40 thousand pairs
of shoes in two and a half days (the entire available production) and
we were off and running.
To this day the company is still named Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.
and serves as a reminder to the importance of resourcefulness and
innovative problem solving.
Stylish, sleek, durable and modern are all characteristics that define the
luggage and travel bags produced by the Kenneth Cole brand. Kenneth Cole designs
highly functional travel products and accessories that are ideal for both short
and long term trips. Kenneth Cole suitcases, duffels, totes, briefcases, laptop
bags, and other traveling items are made from leather and other fine materials.
Kenneth Cole luggage has a clean and classic look that makes them a great choice
for any traveler regardless if a trip is for business or pleasure.
Love my Kenneth Cole Briefcase!
Great price, fast shipping. You can put a good amount of stuff in
the case depending on how you pack it. It looks very professional
and I get comments on the briefcase all the time. Would buy another
one but I don't see this one wearing out anytime soon.
Marc Yavoski (Locust Valley, NY)
Absolutely
beautiful briefcase. I got it for my husband for his birthday and he was
thrilled. I was thrilled because of the price. I saw many nice briefcases, but
considering the quality, workmanship and great style of this one, I was amazed
that I got it for the same price as the others.
Stephanie Hynds (Deerfield Beach, FL)
purchased the briefcase as a gift for a very dear
friend and he was totally satisfied. This friend is very hard to please and a
critic in the highest sense. He only desire the finer things in life and once he
received this item, he was awe strucked. He can't stop talking about it.
Fran (Atlanta, GA)
this bag! It was just shipped to
me and it's even better than the picture shown. I plan to use it to carry
books/notebooks to class and after I graduate I can still use it when I start my
career so it's a good investment. The leather and craftmanship is top notch
quality. There's a nice lining in the inside. Very simple sophisticated look.
I'd highly recommend it.
College Student (North Carolina)
I bought this bag as a birthday gift for my
boyfriend, who wanted an adult version
of the backpack he had carried for years
to carry to and from his first real job. We looked everywhere, and this bag was
exactly what he was looking for. The price was great, the design is nice, and
the quality is high - I would buy this bag again.
Erica Lynne Richard (Berkeley, CA)
Discount Luggage Briefcases
Backpacks Laptop Computer Bag Outlet.
professional
and I get comments on the briefcase all the time. Would buy another
one but I don't see this one wearing out anytime soon.
of the backpack he had carried for years
to carry to and from his first real job. We looked everywhere, and this bag was
exactly what he was looking for. The price was great, the design is nice, and
the quality is high - I would buy this bag again.
