EXCLUSIVE: Kenneth Cole Taps Marc Fisher for Men’s Footwear

Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. and Marc Fisher Footwear Company are teaming up for men’s footwear.

As part of the new partnership, Marc Fisher Footwear Company will be responsible for the development, sourcing, production and sales of all Kenneth Cole men’s footwear under the Kenneth Cole New York and Kenneth Cole Reaction labels.

The first market where retailers can see the new styles will be December 2024, where the fall 2025 seasonal range will be showcased. The collection, which will include both dress and casual shoes, will be sold at better department stores and select specialty stores globally, the fashion company said.

Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer of Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., said in a statement on Monday that he is “excited” about this next chapter of his brand’s footwear business.

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“After growing our brands side by side as peers in the industry for many years, I am looking forward to working closely with Marc, who I have great respect,” Cole said. “[He] is equally passionate and devoted to redefining how men dress from toe to head and is committed to how men look and feel below the ankles. With this unwavering dedication and remarkable success over the decades, I have complete faith in entrusting him with my brand.”

Marc Fisher, founder of Marc Fisher Footwear, noted that he is “very much looking forward” to partnering with Cole. “Together, we aim to create a comprehensive range of footwear that truly resonates with today’s versatile men, aligning with their diverse lifestyle needs,” he said.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kenneth Cole as its exclusive men’s footwear license,” added Susan Itzkowitz, president of Marc Fisher Footwear. “Working alongside Kenneth and his team as partners to celebrate, elevate, and build its iconic men’s business is a welcomed opportunity to continue solidifying Marc Fisher Footwear in the men’s footwear space.”

This is the latest footwear partnership for Marc Fisher Footwear, which inked two shoe licensing deals with Authentic Brands Group-owned labels last year.

In June 2023, Marc Fisher became the core footwear partner for Hunter in the U.S. after Authentic acquired the British heritage footwear and outerwear brand for a reported $124.8 million. With this deal, Marc Fisher took on Hunter’s footwear design, wholesale and e-commerce operations in the territory.

And just one month later, Marc Fisher became Rockport’s U.S. footwear partner after Authentic scooped up the heritage shoe brand out of bankruptcy. Marc Fisher also partners with Authentic for its Nine West and Bandolino brands.

Separate from Authentic’s range of brands, Marc Fisher also produces footwear for companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Guess, in addition to its in-house labels Marc Fisher, Marc Fisher LTD and Easy Spirit.

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