Kenneth Cole is re-entering the women’s handbag market after signing a new multiyear licensing agreement with Concept One Accessories.
The move comes a year after the brand relaunched its women’s sportswear line, marking another step in strengthening its women’s category. The deal will see Concept One design, produce and distribute handbags and small leather goods under the Kenneth Cole New York, Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole and Kenneth Cole Reaction labels.
Kenneth Cole previously worked with Global Brands Group on handbags between 2017 and 2020.
Announcing the latest partnership, Emily Cole, executive vice president, women’s creative director and product strategy at Kenneth Cole, said: “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.” She added, “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 brings more than 25 years of expertise in handbags and fashion accessories, having previously worked with brands such as Rebecca Minkoff and Jason Wu.
The first showcase of Kenneth Cole’s new handbag assortment will be in December, presenting the fall 2026 collection to buyers. The range is expected to be stocked in better department stores and select speciality retailers worldwide.
Sam Hafif, chief executive officer of Concept One, described the timing as ideal.
“Kenneth Cole was a very successful handbag resource for years,” Sam Hafif, chief executive officer of Concept One, said. “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.”
