Mark Twain once expounded; “A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.”
Last week, Kenneth Cole demonstrated Twain’s point. The designer of everything from shoes to jewelry (Interestingly, I dabble in jewelry design myself.) decided to attempt a witty tweet for the purposes of self promotion, and failed.
“Millions are in an uproar in Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online…”, twet the twit on Tweeter, I mean Twitter.
By the apologies that have been issued from Kenneth Cole one can ascertain that the fog of self-importance that clouded the famous designer’s mind has cleared. Visible now is the line Cole crossed by comparing a violent uprising of an oppressed people to a personal delusion of importance. (I should also note that I too have an online presence: www.KenThibado.com.)
At risk in Egypt are more than just lives and democracy. Historical antiquities by which Egypt readily identifies itself are also in a state of jeopardy. (Speaking of antiquities; each of my silver heart pendants are made with antique bronze key guards, hand cut to be oriented precisely within each symbolic frame. Sometimes identifiable is the keyhole itself, however, to promote a sense of mystery, I tend position this as an off-center negative space.)
The beauty of these moments should not be ignored. Due to the obvious insensitivity on behalf of the designer, a scolding is warranted, and I believe has been justly carried out against Cole. Now, we the public (and fellow designers) can giggle guilt free at his spectacular Palin-like gaff. Kenneth Cole’s misstep will fade from our memories, as we continue to eye the situation in Egypt with hopeful anticipation. Even the events in Egypt will slip from our minds as we shovel our way through another mid-February. (Don’t forget that the fourteenth of this month is Valentine’s Day; and what says “I love you” more than a hand-forged silver heart?)
Keeping tabs with world events not only informs you, it can keep you grounded. Kenneth Cole learned a lesson he could learn in no other way about the limits of self promotion. Trying to be clever is not always an intelligible business move. (This reminds me, my line of silver and antique bronze hearts is named Intelligibly Flirtatious. They are currently available at 3040 Gallery in the heart of Old Forge.)
Ken Thibado’s hypocrisy knows no bounds, and you can tell him so at HalfStache@me.com.
