Kenneth continued plugging the Awearness book with an informal discussion at a Barnes and Noble in Tribeca Monday night as part of his ongoing cross-country promotional tour. Devoid of the glitz and glamor that so often accompanies fashion designers, the modesty of this event underscored the sincerity of the project.

About 100 people attended the discussion, ranging in age from late teens to 60-plus, and their attention to Mr. Cole was unwavering. Some appeared to be drawn to Kenneth Cole the designer, while others seemed to be there for Kenneth Cole the philanthropist. Some were fashionable, others more humble. But everyone listened earnestly as Kenneth described the idea behind the book, its development over the years, and why his colleagues in charge of getting it published had to tell him "enough!" when it became 10 times larger than he'd originally conceived.

During the Q&A session after his brief talk, audience members asked questions about the future of corporate philanthropy, how fashion design will be affected by the economic downturn, and how others might get involved in affecting change during these tumultuous times.

One man, whose efforts to help African children with AIDS have met one hurdle after another, thanked Kenneth for caring, but then lamented that he's had trouble making contacts within Kenneth Cole Productions for his work.

"Come talk to me after," Kenneth told the man. "I happen to know some people at Kenneth Cole."