A new Kenneth Cole ad campaign, “We All Walk In Different Shoes,” features a lesbian couple and their two-year-old daughter as one of several examples of “non-uniform thinkers.” (Thanks, Family Equality.)
While I applaud the use of black clothing (hides mud, strawberry jam, and worse), I have to question the shoes. Both moms are wearing Cole’s “Hill Top” design, with a 4″ heel. Not that I want to deny those of a more femme persuasion the right to don heels, if they so choose. I’ve been known to wear them myself to weddings and such, at least until I can kick them off under the table at the reception. There are, however, certain practicalities of parenthood for which fashion has to bend, in my opinion. Little Ruth looks like she’s at the fast-forward stage of toddlerdom. Does Cole really think a 4″ heel will cut it? (Yeah, yeah, Bette and Tina manage, but how often do we really see them with their child?) I would have chosen the “Running Start” sneaker myself.
Still, it’s always nice to see positive images of LGBT families. The campaign will run print ads in March issues of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Lucky, GQ and Men’s Health, though it is unclear which magazines will carry which images. There are also accompanying videos online. The one of the two moms is very sweet.
If only Cole made shoes in a kids’ size 12 with flashing lights and dinosaurs on the sides. . . .