A new documentary is casting a spotlight on the profound social impact of fashion designer Kenneth Cole, moving beyond his commercial success to celebrate his decades of advocacy. Titled "A Man With Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole," the film is examined by LGBTQIA+ culture magazine QueerGuru, which praises his unparalleled social conscience within the fashion world.

The documentary, directed by Dori Berinstein, details how Cole used his platform to confront the AIDS crisis at a time of widespread stigma and governmental silence in the United States. In 1985, he launched a public service campaign directly addressing the discrimination faced by those with the disease. His commitment deepened in 1987 when he joined the board of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, later serving as its chairman for 14 years.

QueerGuru notes that while many in fashion responded to the pandemic, Cole's "fierce and unflinching advocacy" stood apart. Archival footage in the film reveals he was a hands-on leader, not merely a figurehead, and highlights his distinctive role as one of the few heterosexual men taking such a prominent public stand during that era.

Cole's humanitarian work has continued to evolve. In 2016, he was appointed a United Nations International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS and launched the End AIDS Coalition (EAC). More recently, he has turned his focus to mental health, founding The Mental Health Coalition (MHC) after identifying a lack of coordination among support services.

The MHC partners with 34 non-profit organisations, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, The Trevor Project, and Mental Health America. Cole has stated his belief that the mental health crisis is among the most significant challenges of our time and remains determined to drive change through this coalition.