Kate Spade New York

Summary

Kate Spade New York is a globally recognized lifestyle brand celebrated for its playful sophistication and modern femininity. Founded in 1993 with a single handbag, the brand has since evolved into a diverse portfolio spanning handbags, apparel, accessories, and home décor, all characterized by vibrant colors, graphic prints, and polished yet whimsical designs. At its core, Kate Spade embodies a joyful and optimistic spirit, resonating with women who value self-expression, authenticity, and effortless style. Committed to creating approachable luxury, the brand remains a symbol of chic and accessible fashion that inspires confidence and individuality.

History

Arizona State University alumnus Katherine Noel Brosnahan met her future husband Andy Spade in university. In 1986 the couple moved to New York where she worked as accessories editor at Mademoiselle but resigned in 1991 to pursue her dream of launching a line of handbags. The story is quite inspiring: the young girl was so disillusioned that she couldn’t find a stylish utilitarian handbag so she set out to design the perfect handbag out of her home. After making paper samples, she combined sleek shapes and a bright palette to launch “Kate Spade New York” in 1993 with six handbags. “Even my mother said I’d gotten cocky — and what the heck was I doing giving up a job with insurance?” she told Forbes.

Eventually her husband invested $35,000 and her debut line released the iconic square bag. A cult fashion brand was born. In her own words, “crisp colour, graphic prints and playful sophistication are the hallmarks of Kate Spade New York.” This can be seen in the most minute detailing of their product lines from the witty statements along the inside of bangle bracelets to their social media. Each aspect of the branding is consistent which allows consumers to easily identify with it. In 2004 Kate Spade described her brand to Vogue: “We’re not intimidating…. I think some people get nervous about fashion because they find it a little scary. But fashion should be enjoyed; it shouldn’t be looked at from a jaded, been-there-done-that point of view.” The brand then diversified into footwear- sunglasses- beauty- fragrance and women’s ready to wear.

Just before her first show Kate Spade ripped out the labels with her logo from the interior of the handbags and affixed them to the outside. After the handbags appeared in Vogue magazine they became a smash hit. Annual revenue climbed to reported $1.5 million in 1995. The following year Kate Spade opened its first boutique in New York City’s SoHo. Within three years the company was minting reported $27 million and experienced unprecedented growth.

Kate Spade New York was also one of the first of its time to go digital with iPads, mobiles and computers. Expansion and acquisition was the next stage. The company that had started from scratch attracted attention of conglomerates and in 1999, American chain of luxury departmental stores Neiman Marcus reportedly paid $124 million for fifty six per cent stake, including debt. In 2006 Neiman Marcus Group acquired the remaining stake.. valuing the company at $134 million and resold Kate Spade New York to Liz Claiborne Inc in 2014 which was then rebranded as Kate Spade and Company. Andy Spade was in charge of operations at the time but the following year operational reins was turned over to Liz Claiborne. In 2016 the couple launched a new line “Frances Valentine” named after their daughter.

In another milestone American multinational luxury fashion holding company Tapestry Inc acquired Kate Spade and Company in July 2017 for reported $2.4 billion and appointed Anna Bakst as CEO and Brand President. “The appointment of Anna Bakst marks another key step in the evolution of the Kate Spade brand. She brings a rare combination of business acumen, directly related fashion experience and strong leadership skills to the company. Together with recently appointed Creative Director Nicola Glass, we now have the right senior management in place to lead the talented Kate Spade brand team and drive the business globally” said Victor Luis- CEO- Tapestry Inc in a company release.

In June 2018 Kate Spade died by suicide at fifty-five. She is survived by a teenage daughter. To respect the late founder, the company reportedly donated $1 million towards mental health awareness. The CFDA paid a tribute to her in the 1997 CFDA Awards Journal: “Not often does a fashion phenomenon emerge whose price tag is in inverse relationship to its style quotient—but that’s the case with Kate Spade who has almost single-handedly proven to an industry known for thinking otherwise that a chic handbag need not cost upwards of $2,000. And with her other business partners, some of whom have been ‘best friends since we were little’ as she says. The Kansas City native brings to her company an old-fashioned spirit that is more about growing a good business than business growth…”

The luxury fashion brand hired Nicola Glass as Creative Director in 2018. Prior to joining Kate Spade New York, Glass was senior vice president of accessories design at Michael Kors, having spent thirteen years working for the New York-based fashion brand. However, Glass exited. “I really don’t think this is the kind of brand that should have one person at the table” Fraser told BoF. “The best thing for us was to revert to our origin story which was a collaboration of creatives.” Jennifer Lyu is the new head of design for leather goods and accessories while Tom Mora is head of design for ready-to-wear, footwear, jewellery and other products.

Kate Spade New York remains a cult till date. Vogue described Kate Spade New York SS23 RTW collection as, “As Kate Spade New York is marking its 30th anniversary, and Mora and Lyu are building on the label’s heritage, it makes sense that there was a retro feeling to the garments. Many 1950s and ’60s silhouettes predominated, adapted for today… Flexibility and the ability to see things from different perspectives are qualities sorely lacking in the world right now. They are what Kate and Andy Spade brought to the brand decades ago, and Mora and Lyu aim to bring forward today, rain or shine.”

Mission Statement

Kate Spade New York’s mission revolves around harnessing the power of collective strength to drive social impact through their purposeful collections. The luxury fashion brand believes that by creating products with intentionality, they can contribute positively to both society and the environment. This approach goes beyond traditional business practices by integrating social responsibility directly into their collections, thereby ensuring that each product not only stands out in style but also supports broader social goals. This mission underscores a commitment to making a meaningful difference, demonstrating that fashion can be a catalyst for change when it’s aligned with a greater purpose.

Central to Kate Spade New York’s mission is their focus on building robust partnerships with suppliers who are dedicated to community transformation. A significant aspect of this initiative is their emphasis on empowering women, who are seen as pivotal agents of change within their communities. By supporting women through employment and leadership opportunities, the brand fosters an environment where individuals can thrive and drive progress in their communities. This approach not only enhances the livelihoods of women but also amplifies their impact, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the company itself.

Vision

Since its modest launch in 1993 with six essential handbags Kate Spade New York has always stood for optimistic femininity. Strongly rooted in femininity, joy and style till date, global life and style brand Kate Spade New York envisions empowering women through its carefully curated products, which are crafted to embody modern sophistication and vibrant color. The brand’s unique fashion aesthetic is characterized by its joyful and playful approach, making it a standout within the Tapestry house of brands. By embracing a style that is both contemporary and exuberant, Kate Spade New York ensures that its collections resonate with the modern woman’s desire for both practicality and panache. This commitment to beauty and empowerment through everyday essentials defines the brand’s distinctive position in the fashion industry and continues to drive its global appeal.

Products and Services

Kate Spade New York offers a diverse range of products that epitomise the luxury brand’s commitment to joyful and sophisticated design. Their product portfolio includes handbags, fashion accessories, footwear, sunglasses, fragrance and ready to wear.. Each item is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, combining a playful aesthetic with practical functionality.

Handbags, for example, are designed to be both stylish and versatile, available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors that reflect the luxury brand’s signature optimism. Apparel and shoes continue this theme with chic, modern designs that are both fashion-forward and wearable, making them suitable for daily usage as well as special events. Jewellery and home décor add a touch of elegance and fun, enhancing personal style and living spaces with the same spirited flair.

In addition to its product offerings, Kate Spade New York provides a range of services designed to enhance the customer experience. Their stores and online platforms offer personalized shopping experiences, including style consultations and bespoke recommendations to help customers find pieces that resonate with their personal tastes and needs.

The brand’s commitment to exceptional customer service is reflected in their easy-to-navigate online store, efficient delivery options, and responsive support team. Kate Spade New York also engages customers through exclusive events and collaborations, creating opportunities for individuals to connect with the brand in meaningful ways. This comprehensive approach ensures that every interaction with Kate Spade New York is as delightful and inspiring as their products themselves.

Awards and recognition

Kate Spade New York has garnered significant recognition within the fashion industry and beyond, celebrated for its distinctive blend of joyful femininity and modern sophistication. The luxury brand’s impact is evident through numerous awards that highlight its innovative designs and contributions to fashion. This includes Most Influential Brand by Forbes, America’s Best Retailer by Fast Company and Best of the Web by Glamour Magazine. Its signature style—characterised by vibrant colors, playful patterns, and a refined sense of elegance—has earned it a loyal following among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike. This widespread appreciation is reflected in fashion publications and industry critiques that praise Kate Spade New York for its ability to merge classic sophistication with contemporary trends.

Key Team

Andy Spade (Founder)
Kate Spade (Founder)
Anna Bakst (CEO)
Jennifer Lyu (Head of design for leather goods and accessories)
Tom Mora (Head of design for ready-to-wear, footwear, jewellery and other products)

References

• Official website Kate Spade
• Kate Spade New York Fall 2023 RTW Vogue
• Kate Spade invites customers into the metaverse to buy its newest bags Vogue Business
• Kate Spade New York Spring 2023 RTW Vogue
• All Kate Spade New York collections reviewed Vogue
• LinkedIn page of Kate Spade New York LinkedIn
• Kate Spade: The “colourful and unpretentious” person behind the bags Vogue
• Tapestry’s Kate Spade is struggling with millennials Forbes
• Kate Spade CEO to exit Retail Dive
• Kate Spade New York Donates $1 Million to Mental Health Awareness Organizations Footwear News
• Kate Spade and the spirited design legacy she left behind Vogue
• Kate Spade, Whose Handbags Carried Women Into Adulthood, Is Dead at 55 The New York Times
• Kate Spade New York introduces its first ever curated Diwali collection Vogue
• Instagram page of Kate Spade New York Instagram
• Youtube channel of Kate Spade New York Youtube
• Kate Spade’s husband: Apparent suicide a “complete shock” BBC
• Twitter page of Kate Spade New York Twitter
• Wiki page of Kate Spade New York Wikipedia
• Facebook page of Kate Spade New York Facebook
• Kate Spade Gets New CEO Bloomberg