TLL Staff
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. is returning to the women’s handbag market through a new long-term licensing agreement with Concept One Accessories, the companies announced this week.
The partnership will see Concept One manufacture and distribute handbags and small leather goods under Kenneth Cole New York, Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole and Kenneth Cole Reaction labels.
The first market showing will be in December 2025, debuting the Fall 2026 collection. Products will be sold at better department stores and select specialty stores worldwide.
“Following the incredible response to our women’s apparel launch last year, we’re excited to continue building momentum in the women’s category with the reintroduction of handbags,” said Emily Cole, Executive Vice President, Women’s Creative Director and Product Strategy at Kenneth Cole. “The collection is designed with the same modern, confident spirit that defines the Kenneth Cole woman — versatile, functional, and effortlessly stylish and we are proud to bring this iconic category back into her wardrobe.”
Concept One is a global fashion accessories manufacturer founded in 1999. It brings more than 25 years of expertise in handbags and accessories. The company produces licensed products for brands including Rebecca Minkoff and Jason Wu.
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“Kenneth Cole was a very successful handbag resource for years,” said Sam Hafif, CEO of Concept One. “We had been in touch with the company over the past several years and agreed that now, following the successful relaunch of the brand’s women’s apparel, is the right time for the brand to get back into the handbag and small leather goods categories. Several of our retail partners had expressed interest in adding their brands back into their assortments, and we are very happy to be able to work with Emily Cole and the team at Kenneth Cole on this exciting opportunity.”
Each label under the Kenneth Cole umbrella will feature distinct design elements. Kenneth Cole New York will focus on understated luxury, with polished leather totes and hardware tailored for “desk to dinner” lifestyles, paired with Ready-Tech functionality.
Gentle Souls will highlight unconstructed silhouettes in suede with minimal hardware, designed for daytime wear with organization and comfort in mind.
Kenneth Cole Reaction will emphasize trendy, functional styles, including vegan-material backpacks and small leather goods with modular organization and bold messaging.
The collaboration marks a return to a category where Kenneth Cole once saw strong consumer demand, while expanding on the company’s efforts to grow its women’s business following the recent apparel relaunch.
Kenneth Cole, an American designer and social activist, founded his namesake brand in 1982. The company produces footwear, clothing and accessories distributed worldwide, alongside a variety of licensed products.
Concept One is a manufacturer that operates internationally with offices in New York, Mexico, the U.K. and China, and maintains distribution partnerships across multiple regions.
The Fall 2026 handbag collection will aim to reinforce Kenneth Cole’s identity as a modern, functional and urban-inspired lifestyle brand, while strengthening Concept One’s position as a key player in fashion accessories.