Kenneth Cole has selected the first menswear ambassador for his Purposeful Voices series: Jay Shetty, the author, entrepreneur, former monk and host of the popular podcast “On Purpose.”

The Purposeful Voices series highlights people who use their platforms to spark dialogue and advocate for causes that are important to them. Cole selected Shetty to appear in his fall ads, sporting looks from his men’s collection in a campaign and short film where he speaks to the power of personal style as an expression of purpose, courage and individuality. He is photographed in tailored outerwear, knitwear and casual pieces as well as footwear.

“Jay uses his platform to inspire, to challenge and to uplift,” Cole said. “He represents a new era of purposeful influence and truly believes that what you stand for is more important than what you stand in.”

“The way you present yourself to the world isn’t about being flawless,” Shetty added. “It’s about being fearless in expressing your truth. This partnership is about more than clothes, it’s about confidence, courage and living with intention.”

Previous ambassadors include recording artist Rachel Platten and activist Isabella Strahan.  

Kenneth Cole has long been a champion of the merging of fashion and social impact. For more than 40 years, he has taken up the cause of AIDS research, LGBTQIA+ rights, gun control and mental health.

Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast launched in 2019 and now boasts more than 35 million monthly downloads.