Talk about a match made in heaven... Producers Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig recently announced that Kinky Boots, this year's Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, is partnering up with fashion designer and social activist Kenneth Cole, for a limited edition line of honest-to-goodness, real Kinky Boots-inspired shoes and boots. Scheduled to be available in stores for the 2013 holiday season, 100% of the net profits from the sale of the shoes will be donated to AWEARNESS -- The Kenneth Cole Foundation in support of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
“Being the son of a women’s shoe factory owner, Kinky Boots resonated with me on so many different levels,” said Kenneth Cole in the official announcement. “It was such an inspiring story, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to collaborate on a shoe collection that makes people look good, and do good by raising funds for HRC.”
The collection will feature three styles, inspired by the fabulous boots in the show (which were originally designed by Tony Award-nominated costume designer Gregg Barnes) -- a red patent leather peep-toe pump, also available in different colors (and featured in Kinky Boots opening number). The collection will also feature two versions of a knee-high boot: one in black and white leopard, and one in black, both with red zipper detailing, and a red patent leather insole and heel. All three styles will feature a “Kinky Boots by Kenneth Cole” logo embossed on the sole.
"We're so thrilled to be partnering with Kenneth Cole on their Kinky Boots inspired creations," added producers Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig.
"With Kenneth Cole's commitment to human rights and our show's message of love and acceptance, this really is the perfect pair!"
The Kinky Boots Collection will retail from $150-$400 and will be sold at Kenneth Cole stores, Kennethcole.com, as well as select department stores. Additionally, a 20% shopping discount will be extended to any customer presenting a Kinky Boots ticket stub at Kenneth Cole stores nationwide.
In conjunction with the partnership, a designated area in front of the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street, New York City) will encourage passersby to try and win a pair of Kinky Boots tickets by following @kennethcoleprd and @kinkybootsbway on Twitter, and Instagraming a photo of their “kinky” shoes using hashtag #KCKinkyboots!
Broadway’s Hit Musical
Based on the acclaimed film, and with a Tony Award-winning score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, a book by four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, and direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots opened on Broadway on April 4, 2013 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th St), where it continues to play to standing-room-only crowds.
Kinky Boots took home six 2013 Tony® Awards, the most of any show this season, including Best Musical, Best Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Actor (Billy Porter), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus), and Best Sound Design (John Shivers). The show also received the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Broadway.com Awards for Best Musical, along with many other accolades.
In Kinky Boots, Charlie Price has suddenly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.
Tickets for Kinky Boots ($77 - $157) are available for purchase in person at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre box office (Monday – Saturday, 10am – 8pm; Sunday, 12pm – 6 pm), online at www.telecharge.com, or by calling Telecharge at 800-432-7250 or 212-239-6200. Learn more about the hit musical from its official website at www.kinkybootsthemusical.com.