PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE BAG This is an extraordinary time. Since the economy went into a tailspin last year, our community, in many ways, has remained paralyzed. There is still a pervasive sense that shopping for non-essential consumer goods is indulgent, frivolous and questionably appropriate.
The fact is, consuming is what we do and it is what has made this economy what it is. Consuming is what keeps the economic engine going and continues to allow each of us to provide for our individual needs, and also express ourselves individually.
We are currently unveiling a new advertising campaign: "PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE BAG" to address this stigma, and also advise the reader that: "Your Country Needs You...to shop". And then goes on to advise all that; "100% of sales tax will go to pay down the national debt."
As part of this campaign we are introducing a limited edition eco-friendly tote bag, with the message "Pledge Allegiance to the Bag." The Bags will be available in limited quantities at Kenneth Cole stores and online.
We will also be joining the CFDA's (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Fashion's Nights Out global celebration of fashion on September 10, 2009. We are excited to join with our industry in a coordinated effort to inspire consumers to open their minds to all of the wonderful Fall offerings (as well as their wallets).
Fashion's Night Out gives us the opportunity to help people "do good" while helping themselves "look good," which in turn helps us all "feel good."
During Fashion's Night Out, I will be joined by my good friend Matisyahu, who will be performing songs from his new hit album "Light" at our Rockefeller Center store in New York City. Matis was first featured in our fall 2008 critically acclaimed National Ad campaign: "We All Walk in Different Shoes." and was also featured in my book AWEARNESS: Inspiring Stores About How to Make a Difference.
An orthodox Jewish Reggae rapper, Matisyahu, continues to break boundaries with his embrace of the unconventional fusion of music and religion. Thru his life's example, he continues to challenge people to live life on their terms. Matisyahu is an inspiring icon, whose story we are honored to be able to help tell.
If I told you that supporting Fashion's Night Out, going to your local Kenneth Cole store, and making a purchase could help revive the economy (and let you look good doing it), "WOULD YOU BUY IT?"
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Looking forward to the Fashion's Night event on 9.10, it's going to be a great night for the industry.
I ADORE Matisyahu. The idea of the Jewish religion, reggae and hip hop is so postmodern and, quite frankly, AMERICAN. Great choice and a very dapper look!
Matisyahu at Kenneth Cole! SWEET!!!! and that bag is pretty cool too. I may have to get one for my groceries.
The idea of sending 100% of sales tax on the bag -- eco-friendly, besides -- to go to the national debt is the right kind of progressive patriotism.
Excellent idea, Kenneth!
From Racked.com:
Because nothing screams fashion more than a Hasidic reggae rapper at Rock Center, Matisyahu will perform at the Kenneth Cole flagship, following up on his appearances in both a Kenneth ad campaign and book. As a special bonus, you can buy a limited-edition Cole tote with a money print, with proceeds going towards paying down the national debt (what?!).
I'll be there, and can't wait to see Matisyahu again (first time was at the AWEARNESS book launch last winter).
Anyway, you're right that we need to spend money for our country to get back on track. It's essential to shop, and eat out, and generally let go of some green, but in times like these, seeing the greater good in that is a lot easier than being the one to say, "I'm going to shop for the good of our country."
We all tend to hoard in tough times, but witty campaigns like this are a good reminder to stop pinching our pennies.
Smart shopping can be good to our budgets and our economy. I'm trying to reduce my shopping for budget & ecological reasons, so when I do shop, it's a decision I make carefully. Included in my decision is if the company getting my cash is doing good with it. The sales tax idea is a great one.
Last night was a great event! It was inspiring to see the entire fashion community come together for one cause.
Nice article found your site searching in yahoo I think you could have taken a more neutral view.
I got this top as a gift from my beloved cousin who died in a car accident around 2001. She liked to give presents to her cousins every time she went back to our home town on Christmas (she worked in a big city). So, I've owned this top for quite a long time (I think she gave this top to me on 1999).