Precious Metal

(NEW YORK) The uncomfortable reputation of high heels is a well-established fact, but Kenneth Cole has spent the last four years working to change things. The result of his efforts was finally revealed on August 7 with the launch of the Silver Edition 925 footwear collection at the brand's Rockefeller Center store. Practice made perfect to create five styles of shoes with patented comfort technology that includes a layer of cork and two layers of Poron® foam to support shock, bonded cellulose to displace pressure, and an impact-resistant nylon heel lift. "People really care about how they look but, more than ever, it is about comfort. Shoes are the most important part of a woman's wardrobe," Cole explained, stressing its importance "in this technology-driven world."

The event invited attendees to "Flirt with Pleasure" and, with the chance to meet the silver fox himself, attracted a crowd of hundreds, including Eva Amurri and Marcia Gay Harden. Amurri, who took a much-needed break from packing for an upcoming move to Los Angeles, was excited to meet the designer and reiterated the importance of comfort. "It's nice to finally have shoes you can dance in!" Any other nighttime accessories the actress can't live without? "I'd love to have someone to keep watch over my purse...if you've ever lost your bag, it's a terrifying feeling." (Unfortunately, she came sans entourage.)

Harden entered in all-black with a matching Kenneth Cole New York In A Pinch satchel and expressed excitement over the completion of the collection. "It isn't about how long [the shoes] actually last, but it's how long I last--and I can wear these all day." She liked the heels so much that she purchased a pair for her God of Carnage co-star, even as she eyed Amurri's booties. "They are a nice change from my usual Birkenstocks!"
SARA ZUCKER