Vote For Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. will unveil its first women's collection in an ad campaign that makes use of publicity surrounding the Republican National Convention.

Cole, the son-in-law of former New York Governor, Mario Cuomo, has been an activist for causes like AIDS research and helping the homeless for some time. The company often calls attention to such social topics in its ad copy. For instance, this fall one line will read, “Everyone needs to vote for a change. Kenneth Cole.”

In keeping with his political efforts, Cole will host a fund-raiser tonight for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, at his downtown Philadelphia flagship, which just opened this week. During the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, Cole will sponsor a Creative Coalition fund-raiser, as well.

Kenneth Cole is reportedly breathing down the necks of competitors like Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. and Tommy Hilfiger Corp. Its $42-a-share stock price is trading higher than those of the other two. The company reported an 80% increase in second-quarter earnings to $6.4 million on returns of $90.6 million. The new women's line is being shipped to 200 department store locations and most of Kenneth Cole's 62 boutiques.