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Philanthropist, designer, activist, businessman and champion of independent filmmaking, Kenneth Cole has a lot on his plate. In Dubai to promote his shop at Mall of the Emirates and watch range at Rivoli, he spoke to Andy van Smeerdijk, Features Editor

FORMER JOB: Selling my shoes from the back of a truck on 6th Avenue, Manhattan.

LIKES: Independent films; making a difference. I like discovering unorthodox and non-traditional ways to make things happen.

A NORMAL DAY: Many of them are spent travelling for my work. In this business, you need to travel; the world's a very small place. And with emerging markets like Dubai, if you want a presence there you've gotta be there. Life's damn complicated, but also fun and challenging. With 60 products, I have my hands full. But I guess I don't delegate enough.

MY DESIGNS: I started out with two kinds of shoes, black and brown, and went from there. Initially we focused on men's shoes; our designs were aimed at giving guys something new.

Then I wondered, why not design different products - like clothing, watches, fragrances - that spoke to the same customer. Guys used to think they only needed one watch, but as their needs and purposes have changed, their opinion changes. Designs need to be functional and fashionable.

WHY INDEPENDENT FILMS MATTER: By being part of the Sundance Institute, which was founded by Robert Redford, we're helping to fund an alternative art form. Sundance fosters independent filmmakers and helps them tell stories that otherwise wouldn't be told; certainly not by the mainstream film industry in the US.

MY CAUSES: I've been involved in Aids awareness since 1985, when there were very few others promoting the message. Since then, things have changed. Today Amfar (American foundation for Aids research) funds drug therapies for Aids sufferers. I also am involved in an assistance scheme for the homeless and a mentoring programme for young people.

WHAT I REALLY AM: A frustrated activist. All my life I've wanted to figure out a way to make things better in this world. Then when my designs took off, I found a way. I've found a way to make my business a means to an end. It's commerce with a conscience.