All the controversy, or whatever, about Kenneth Cole personally writing a tweet that used the protests in Egypt as a cheap trick to generate buzz over his new spring line has me thinking about all the times Cole has succeeded in using clever marketing to draw attention to social issues and sell clothes.
Like with marriage.
And with AIDS.
And health.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
And yes, even war.
“I apologize to everyone who was offended by my insensitive tweet about the situation in Egypt,” Cole writes in a Facebook apology. “I’ve dedicated my life to raising awareness about serious social issues, and in hindsight my attempt at humor regarding a nation liberating themselves against oppression was poorly timed and absolutely inappropriate.” Okay, but now try one with South Sudan.
NY152
What is wrong with people these days? Does anyone use their brain before engaging their lips? I have never liked the Kenneth Cole line and never will and crap like this is why! See what happens when the worm crawls out of the dirt. It’s not funny for a second to turn a devastating situation into a marketing campaign.
ousslander
no
reed
i guess i’m the only one who thought it was funny.
Nick T
@reed: No, you’re not.
Matthew
Truthfully, I thought the tweet about the new spring line was clever and comical. While the issue in Egypt is terrible, this was just kind of cute.
David C
KC’s advertising is clever. And usually amusing. Yes, it generally plays on social issues but it doesn’t denigrate or victimize anyone. In Cole’s words – and I agree – it “raises awareness” of social issue (marriage equality), health facts (ANYone can catch HIV, not just Queers), etc. Kenneth Cole has been a consistent supporter of progressive social issues.
Personally, I think your (Queerty’s) criticism is hyper-PC and off the mark. It’s just cute and clever wordplay.
Navi
I don’t see the big deal. Shesh people have to calm down.