“This man is probably the most extraordinary man I’ve ever met,” Donna Karan gushed over Kenneth Cole onstage at the 2024 FN Achievement Awards. The legendary designer presented Cole with the Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday night in New York.

“You’ve been ahead of the curve your whole life, in every aspect of your life, in the way you create, collaborate and communicate to sheer perfection,” she continued. “You call, we come.”

Karan and Cole have worked together, not only in fashion, but through their philanthropic efforts through the years. In 2019, the two were honored as the Icon Award for Social Impact winners at the FN Achievement Awards for their mission to help support the country of Haiti.

But that’s just one of Cole’s many humanitarian and charitable works. For more than four decades, the designer has been committed to using his platform to support a range of social justice movements, including HIV/AIDS awareness, gun control, climate change and, most recently, ending mental health stigmas.

“I have always believed that fashion is more than how we present ourselves in the world, but also a vehicle to positively impact it, and a powerful and creative way to respectfully communicate our commonality as well as our differences,” he said while accepting the award. “My story is the story of an American designer slash Shoe Dog — (and I hate that term, but as they say, if the shoe fits) — who uses the platform he has to make the difference that he can. It has taught me today that this is absolutely not a dress rehearsal, and that what we stand for will always matter more than what we stand in.”

All the Moments You Didn’t See Inside the FNAA 2024 [PHOTOS]

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For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram. 

The campaign stars Christy Turlington, Eva Herzigova, Amber Valletta, Alek Wek, Karen Elson, Imaan Hammam, Liu Wen, and Edie Campbell. The campaign was shot by Mikael Jansson and styled by Jessica Diehl.

This past spring, Donna Karan New York relaunched the brand with the “In Women We Trust” campaign, which featured multiple generations of women as brand storytellers. Donna Karan is riding that momentum for Fall 2024 by “embracing women’s dimensional nature—strong yet sensual, powerful, and passionate.”

The Fall 2024 Collection features footwear inspired by New York City, with a predominantly black and gray palette punctuated with vibrant gold accents, suede or the liquid satin emulating wet pavement. Swipe through to check out the Fall 2024 Collection.

​​Donna Karan New York is back. Yesterday, WWD exclusively shared that the queen of power dressing and corporate classics with a twist has relaunched in full force with a modern throwback to 1992 and a capsule shoe collection. With a campaign titled “In Women We Trust,” the brand’s footwear, bags, and garments, which range from $60 to $460, are firmly in the space of workwear and eveningwear bliss.

While we expected to see trousers, trenches, and cold shoulder tops — in Karan’s opinion, shoulders are one of the most flattering parts of the body — a pleasant surprise was the brand’s capsule footwear collection. Karan, who’s built out an empire on easy, minimal pieces that effortlessly fit in your workwear rotation, has also taken note of the ‘quiet luxury’ trend with these shoe styles.

Coming in at $180 and under, these stylish, affordable shoes are made from genuine leather and offer four minimal, elevated styles that work with everything from trousers to denim. From an elegant, comfortable flat to a peep-toe mule with a small block heel to classic two-strap sandals and slingback pumps (the fashion crowd’s favorite this season), it’s easy to see why a return from Donna Karan New York has kept the fashion community excited. Flat sandals (an easy throw-on-and-go style) and chunky, peep toed mules (a fun, on-trend, of-the-moment style) are some of our favorites.

Formerly working with Robert Lee Morris on jewelry, Karan’s new shoe collection pays homage to that partnership. With gold hardware detailing each of the four styles, it’s an elegant and understated throwback to the original Donna Karan New York and her “Seven Easy Pieces” that made the designer a household name.

Shop the Donna Karan New York shoe collection below.

Donna Karan Sayer Slingback Pumps

$180 Buy Now at Donna Karan

Price upon publish date of this article: $180

Donna Karan Sabina Sandals

$150 Buy Now AT DONNA KARAN

Price upon publish date of this article: $150

Donna Karan Tinley Peep Toe Shoes

$170 Buy Now AT DONNA KARAN

Price upon publish date of this article: $170

Donna Karan Harmoni Flat Sandals

$140 Buy Now AT DONNA KARAN

Price upon publish date of this article: $140

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The “On The Floor” singer wore a black vintage Donna Karan fitted jumpsuit with a gold cutout belt that accentuated her waist. She layered it with a lengthy beige blazer that featured a satin lining.

Lopez accessorized with an oversized pair of blackout sunglasses and gold hoops which matched the clasp on her black leather oversized clutch.

She kept her light brown hair in a blown out style complementing her glamorous makeup that featured a smokey eye and a glossy nude lip. Her glowing look was created by hairstylist Lorenzo Martin and makeup artist Ash Holm.

The actress completed the look by slipping into a pair of nude sandals by Gianvito Rossi. The almond-toe heels featured a clear strap that started at the front of the shoe and wrapped around her heel.

The leather sandals brought height to the look with a stiletto heel that was about 3 inches tall.

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Lopez’s look was put together by styling duo Mariel Haenn and Rob Zangardi who can also be
Credited for the sheer blouse and 6-inch Louboutins she wore to the Met Gala after-party last week. The two have also worked with other stars like Camila Cabello, Hailee Steinfield, and Heidi Klum.

The last time we saw the actress at the premiere for her new Netflix film yesterday in Los Angeles. She was walking the carpet with her husband and actor Ben Affleck wearing a sparkling Bralette with a skirt suit and clear platforms.

The actress recently launched a footwear collection, JLO by Jennifer Lopez, with Revolve. The line was released in March with a range of high-heeled sandals, boots and pumps in a variety of colors and patterns including metallic tones and leopard prints.

Related: Cute Summer Sandals

Chelsea was all smiles as she posed for photos alongside fashion designer Donna Karan. The writer and global health advocate arrived at the celebration in a green and white printed maxi dress. The garment features a round neckline and 3/4 sleeves. The piece also had ruffled details on the shoulder, fitted cuffs and front pleats.

For makeup, Chelsea went with soft neutral glam and a glossy pout. She parted her hair on the side and styled it in loose barrel curls. To place more emphasis on her look she opted for minimal accessories and only added small earrings and a black Apple watch.

When it came down to footwear, Chelsea completed her look with Veja Esplar sneakers. The court-inspired shoes are made to make a difference as they feature a removable insole, leather uppers and textile lining. Crafted from leather sourced from Rio Grande do Sul farms in Brazil and tanned according to REACH norms, the lining is made from organic cotton and the soles are wild Amazonian rubber.

White sneakers remain as the ideal go-to casual sneaker. The right pair of white kicks can offer endless versatility. The eternally stylish silhouette is timeless and manages to be simultaneously on-trend every season.

“Gutsy” is an eight-part series that takes viewers through the mother-daughter team’s thought-provoking journey to speak with pioneering women artists, activists, community leaders, and everyday heroes.

PHOTOS: See more white sneakers celebrities love in the gallery.

According to authorities, 19 children and two teachers were killed by suspect — 18-year-old Salvador Ramos — a student at Uvalde High School, who is also dead.

Kenneth Cole, an outspoken figure on social issues, simply asked, “How many more,” via a post on Twitter.

Go to https://t.co/N7hOlVZsl2 to help prevent more senseless gun violence. pic.twitter.com/3gMkX38hP8

— Kenneth Cole (@kennethcolereal) May 25, 2022

Donna Karan made a similar statement on Instagram, writing, “How many more shootings, how many more children, how many more schools before we do something rather than talk about it? We demand action from our lawmakers now.”

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Stylist and activist Karla Welch also took to Instagram referencing the anti-abortion lawmakers and the potential overturning  of the Roe v. Wade ruling by the Supreme Court. “Did you hear the one about Republican politicians forcing women to have children only to allow them to be senselessly murdered? Except it’s not a fucking joke,” she wrote. “It’s a horrific tragedy and it’s senseless and it could happen to any of us. And for those of you who continually vote for these people – the blood is also on your hands.”

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Following the shooting, Yeezy Gap has postponed the launch of its Balenciaga collection. The company posted a message, writing, “In light of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, we are postponing the Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga launch until Friday, May 27. As we pause, our hearts go out to the families and communities impacted.”

Keep scrolling to see more reactions from designers, brands and more.

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Filled with rage and grief, and so broken by the murders in Uvalde. By Buffalo, Laguna Woods and so many others. By the ways in which we, as a nation, have become conditioned to unfathomable and unbearable heartbreak. Steve’s words ring so true and cut so deep. https://t.co/Rb5uwSTxty

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 25, 2022

Today in my home state of Texas 18 innocent students were killed while simply trying to get an education. A teacher killed doing her job; an invaluable yet sadly under appreciated job. If children aren’t safe at school where are they safe?

— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) May 25, 2022

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But designer Kenneth Cole is among the few still dedicated to helping its people recover, and his help has been much more than simply writing a check.

“Even 10 years later, it is hard to process what we all witnessed in Haiti,” he told FN just before the 10-year anniversary. “Arguably, the country was already the poorest and most underserved in the Northern hemisphere. We sought to find a way to make a meaningful impact with our limited resources for a country with unlimited needs.”

Over the years, Cole and his company has been a major proponent of Haiti’s improvement through various methods that include helping to fund construction projects, fueling job creation, supporting vocational education and visiting the people of Haiti. He has since built The Kenneth Cole Haiti Health Center in Citi Soleil, in partnership with the St. Luke’s Foundation, and he most recently collaborated with fashion legend Donna Karan for a special project last summer aiming to create more change.

In remembrance of the anniversary and his devotion to helping the country rebuild, Cole is encouraging people to donate $10 in support of the St. Luke’s Foundation where he will match all donations, up to $10,000.

Last year on this date, FN traveled with the designer to Haiti to witness his humanitarian mission firsthand. Read it here.

Nearly 10 years after a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, the country remains in rebuild mode, and despite progress, it still faces extreme turmoil to this day. While many came to the nation’s aid soon after the natural disaster, that support has since waned.

Designers Kenneth Cole and Donna Karan are among the few still dedicated to helping its people recover, and their help has been much more than a paycheck. Over the years, Cole and Karan have each been major proponents of Haiti’s improvement through various methods that include helping to fund construction projects, fueling job creation, supporting vocational education and visiting the people of Haiti.

“When the earthquake happened, it was a call to action,” recalled Karan. “A handful of us went down there and we stayed. It was a moment of collaboration to come together and create the change that was needed.”

The fashion legend added that she remains committed, thanks to her sense of a personal connection. “Haiti is a place where you feel the soul of the country,” she said. “I discovered a community of artisans and fell in love with their creativity. I never left. It was about giving them a fishing rod to fish — a long-term strategy to help.”

The mutual passion and drive of these longtime friends brought the two together for a special project this summer aiming to create more change.

Through Karan’s Urban Zen retail concept and Cole’s Gentle Souls footwear label, the duo debuted a shoe collection in July featuring 10 Haitian-inspired looks made by a group of the country’s artisans.

Consumers responded to the line’s elevated craftsmanship, according to Cole. “The fact that the shoes were designed by both Donna and I during a trip we took to Haiti is something that resonated with both of our consumer bases,” he said. “[I think shoppers] are also proud that they are purchasing and wearing shoes that help to promote Haiti’s rich artisan culture and empower the workforce there by creating jobs in the country.”

Though the designers produced the collection in limited quantities, their goal is for this to become an ongoing sustainable business.

So far, top styles include the Rafine and Vayan embroidered sandals, which were made in partnership with Pascale Théard, a Haitian artisan whose workshop helped develop the line. For this holiday season, new styles incorporating metallic colorways will be released on Dec. 6.

“Our intention is that these shoes are a vehicle for telling the story of the Haitian artisan community,” said Cole. “And if nothing else, it shines a light on a culture that deserves to be celebrated. We want to support the Haitian economy at a time when they are in absolute chaos.”

He added that the challenges of a project of this sort remain significant. “Haiti is going through horrendous times. What we were able to accomplish wasn’t easy. It’s hard and, of course, has gotten harder, but we stay committed to these people that we have come to admire and respect. If it was not for this collection, they would not have jobs, which makes it all the more purposeful.”

Outside of Haiti, both Cole and Karan have long used their platforms to raise awareness for social causes. Notably, Cole spent decades as a major supporter of amfAR, an effort that gained the respect of fellow shoe dog Steve Madden.

“[I remember early on that] I was trying to survive and he was helping to cure AIDS, so he was pretty badass,” Madden told FN. “He’s an original gangster. He’s made a big mark in the world, and he’s a really good role model for a lot of people.”

The 33rd annual FNAA ceremony will be held at the IAC Building in New York. Sponsors for the event include Klarna, Geox, The Style Room Powered by Zappos, FDRA, Micam Milano and Buchanan’s Scotch Whisky.

Adding: “In the fashion industry, the consumer is confused.” Karan also reminisced on what made fashion so great in her early days as a designer in the 1970s and 1980s. “Everybody was individualized. You had the American world, the British world, the French world, the Italian world. And it was . . . the Americans were black. The British were funk,” she said. 

Having just launched a shoe collection with Kenneth Cole made with artisans in Haiti, Karan said she very much appreciates the distinct differences in style and dress across the world. “I like to feel differentiation between our cultures,” she said. “And that’s where I’m at, which is a little bit different than most designers.” Watch the video above to see the full interview. 

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It was a starry night, indeed. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West joined other boldface names to celebrate outstanding achievement in several fashion and creative fields.

Kardashian had on a metallic top with a matching long skirt, jewelry by Hunrod and Manolo Blahnik sandals. The Scolto silhouette featured PVC straps over the toe and midfoot on a stiletto heel. West wore a denim-on-denim set — a Canadian tuxedo — that included a jacket and jeans with Yeezy 700 V3 sneakers.

Brandon Maxwell, who debuted his collection in 2017, was named Fashion Star. Speaking to FN, he recalled his early days as a stylist and working with Lady Gaga.

“I was a stylist for many years and obviously she’s one of my best friends in the world,” Maxwell said. “It’s less a working relationship and more like collaborating with my sister. It’s been important to make public memories, but most importantly, personal ones.”

Asked about the next “It” shoes, the “Project Runway” judge confessed he’s “the wrong person to ask.”

“I’ve been wearing the same shoes for 10 years that I’ve had resoled for 10 years,” he said of his Balmain boots.

For Simon Doonan, creative ambassador at large for Barneys New York, a return to higher heels for men would be an ideal footwear trend. “It would be fun if men’s shoes got much higher again, like they did in the ’70s,” he said. “As a short man, I used to wear platforms; it would be great to be back.”

Ahead of the awards program, Authentic Brands Group announced the details of its deal to acquire Barneys from bankruptcy.

Doonan added that the evening was especially meaningful because his husband, home furnishings retailer and designer Jonathan Adler, was being recognized for his career. “It means a lot to me to be here tonight because Jonathan Adler, my husband, is getting the Brand Heritage award with all of these incredible people — Gucci Westman, Donna Karan, Rick Owens, Iman — so seeing him acknowledged on this level is great.”

Some of the honorees and their awards include: Rick Owens, Superstar; Ralph Rucci, Fashion Legend; Brandon Maxwell, Fashion Star; Gucci Westman, Beauty; Iman, Trailblazer; International Flavors & Fragrances, Sustainability; Delphine Krakoff, Interior Design; Jonathan Adler, Brand Heritage; Donna Karan; Humanitarian.

See more guests at the 2019 FGI Gala Red Carpet Arrivals: A Night of Stars.

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