If ever proof was needed that fashion designers live in a parallel universe, Kenneth Cole has delivered it.

The American shoe and clothing designer attracted the ire of the Twitterverse after trying to parlay international fascination with the crisis in Egypt into marketing buzz for his latest collection.

Causing a stir ... designer Kenneth Cole Credit:AFP

Cole tweeted on Thursday afternoon: "Millions are in uproar in #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online at http://bit.ly/KCairo -KC".

Retribution was swift.