
Is gray the color of mental health? It is to Kenneth Cole.
On World Mental Health Day on Friday, the designer will launch the CharCole Collection, a limited-edition capsule in a custom gray shade developed with Pantone that is intended to symbolize that it’s OK to live in the gray area before moving forward toward balance and well-being, according to the company.
The line of men’s and women’s outerwear, footwear and accessories in the monochromatic shade will include a trucker jacket, reversible vest, knit bomber and long-sleeve polo for men and a flannel midi dress, double-breasted jacket and wide-leg pant for women. In addition, a Pryer sneaker and Tully Cap Toe Oxford shoe for men and a Marsha Pointed Toe Boot and Jasper Flat for women will also be part of the collection. There are also cold-weather accessories including scarves, beanies, watches and belts.
A look from the women’s CharCole capsule.
Courtesy of Kenneth Cole
To mark the launch, 100 percent of sales for CharCole on the Kenneth Cole website on Friday will be donated to the Mental Health Coalition, a nonprofit organization founded by Cole dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health and expanding access to essential resources and support to everyone.
In addition to the apparel and footwear, Cole has also partnered with Butterfield Market in New York City to create a CharCole cruller and with Café Panna on an ice cream flavor. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the sale of the crullers will also be donated to the Mental Health Coalition through the month of October.
“I have always believed that to be aware is more important than what you wear,” said Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer of Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. “With the creation of CharCole, we have created not just a color but a conversation — one that symbolizes strength in complexity and encourages us to embrace every shade of how we feel. Every day, but especially on World Mental Health Day, CharCole should remind us that finding comfort in the gray is an essential step toward well-being and destigmatizing mental health.”
The collection will also be available at select retailers including Nordstrom and Macy’s.
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