August 6th, 2025 – Bedford Playhouse recently welcomed designer and activist Kenneth Cole for a screening of A Man With Sole, the new documentary chronicling his remarkable 40-year journey at the intersection of business and social change. Directed and produced by Dori Berinstein, the film offers an unflinching look at Cole’s bold leadership, examining how he leveraged fashion as a platform to confront issues from HIV/AIDS and homelessness to LGBTQ+ rights and, most recently, mental health.
After the screening, Cole and Berinstein took the stage for a compelling Q&A moderated by Suzanne Zuckerman, diving deeper into the challenges and convictions that have defined Cole’s career. The conversation gave audiences a behind-the-scenes view into how one of fashion’s most recognizable names has consistently pushed boundaries to provoke thought, empower action, and build awareness through bold messaging.
In a moment that perfectly captured Cole’s signature blend of wit and activism, he handed out T-shirts to Playhouse staff bearing the phrase “I have issues”—a playful yet poignant nod to his history of socially conscious advertising.
The evening left guests energized and moved by Cole’s unwavering commitment to advocacy, proving that with enough heart and “sole,” one person—and one brand—can truly make a difference.
