Draft:Kelly Cole

Kelly Cole is an American designer, actor, DJ, and author.

Early life
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Cole began working in film and television as a teen, appearing in several plays at the progressive contemporary Phoenix Theater in Indianapolis. At 14, he appeared in the film Hoosiers (uncredited). He moved to New York City in 1988, and joined the city's late 80s/90s art and club scene. A frequent collaborator of Club Kid Michael Alig, Cole worked with Alig on many events in multiple clubs such as Limelight U.S.A, and The Tunnel. He also helped produce Alig's Outlaw Parties. He went on to more create more Manhattan nightspots, most notably as co-creator/owner operator of the Soho lounge SPY (1995-1998), and rock n’ roll bistro Black and White. He regularly appeared on TV, stage, film, and in music videos including the Junior M.A.F.I.A series.

Career
Inspired by his friend and mentor, fashion designer Stephen Sprouse, upon moving to Los Angeles in 2001 Cole opened the improvisational retail space/gallery LO-FI.

Cole’s brand collaborations have included a t-shirt collection for Tommy Hilfiger, a capsule collection of apparel and accessories for Guns N’ Roses, and a 2023 collaboration with Saint Laurent. His style and procurement associations include Metallica, Kings of Leon, Alice In Chains, Kanye West, RIDE, Jane's Addiction, The Dixie Chicks, Florida Georgia Line, Dirks Bentley, The Internet, Ozzy Osbourne, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West and Travis Scott. The Kelly Cole retail store was located on La Brea in Los Angeles from 2010-2019. In 2018, Cole wrote and published the coffee table book NAUGHTY VINTAGE T SHIRTS, a history of vintage graphic t shirts. In 2009, along with Bryan Rabin and Ian Cripps, Cole created the short-lived weekly rock n’ roll Diamond Dogs party in Los Angeles. Diamond Dogs was briefly revived in 2013.In November 2023, Cole was the opening act for Guns N' Roses for two nights at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Cole continues to design for multiple brands and works as an actor, appearing in the Hulu series Welcome to Chippendales opposite Kumail Nanjiani in 2022.

Cole launched a touring merchandise t-shirt imprint, Superior Merch by Kelly Cole, in 2023 with Aerosmith as the first band to use the shirts.

Cole has worked as a fashion model for Paul & Joe and Dockers among others.