Kenneth Cole
 
  Cole’s inspiration board: many objects for his countless ideas
 
  The double ribbon means double the effort to find a cure

Marrying cool clothes with social activism has been the hallmark of the Kenneth Cole brand since its inception almost 30 years ago. Cole’s latest initiative, a partnership with MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation and amfAR, commemorates the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the AIDS virus with a provocative celebrity-endorsed campaign and a bold reinterpretation of the iconic AIDS ribbon. “The new double loop represents where we are today in the fight against AIDS,” says Cole. “We are redoubling our efforts, re-energizing, and refocusing. We won’t give up.”

Cole applies the same discipline, determination, and sense of the zeitgeist to his fashion company, which continues to embrace the brave new world of social media. “The greatest thing about what I do is that each day is nothing like the one that came before it. In fashion, you have to reinvent yourself every day.”

5 AM
I typically sleep in until 5 before my trainer arrives at 5:15. I find my body gets more rest in five hours than it would get in eight. Exercise and a clear mind are essential to my job, and I love my morning workouts.

7 AM
Social media is eternal and all-consuming. Every morning it’s exciting to wake up and see what the world has in store for us. I will invariably check my iPad, which has six or seven news sources. Our industry has become global, and we need to be constantly aware of that. I also check my BlackBerry. I’ve done my best to wear out the keys, but surprisingly it withstands all that use.

8 AM
Time to head into the office on the west side of Manhattan. I use this time to take a breath and catch up on my calendar. I spend some time looking at the framework for the day ahead and marrying my agendas so I can find time for my family. I like to caffeinate myself en route.

9 AM
I speak with my design team regularly. We are currently working on Fall 2012 and some of our latest product lines. We also have a meeting to sign off on the new jacket that we are creating for the festival volunteers at Sundance. It’s a big initiative, as there are more than 2,300 of them.

11 AM
Connect with our marketing group, who are experts in balancing traditional and social media. I always try to get a sense of not just what we’re saying, but what’s being said to us in return. Today it’s a dialogue, not a monologue. I’ve always said we love to give our customers what they want, but not as they expect it.

NOON
Time to touch base with Kevin Frost at amfAR. I’m super proud to be a part of the latest campaign we’ve put together, just one part of the work we are doing. We are making huge progress, particularly on the prevention front. Kevin and I speak regularly and discuss our various funding and scientific endeavors. I believe we will find a cure for AIDS in our lifetime.