July 11, 2025, 6:25 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Kate Spade New York is a name that stands for elegance, color, and joie de vivre in the fashion world. But behind the brand’s glowing success lies a story full of ups and downs.
Since its inception in 1993, the Kate Spade brand has captivated millions of women around the globe with its trailblazing designs. What began as a small company with six handbags quickly developed into an internationally renowned lifestyle brand.
Overview
From Accessories Editor to Entrepreneur
Katherine Noel Brosnahan, better known as Kate Spade, was originally the accessories editor at “Mademoiselle” magazine. Driven by frustration over the lack of stylish yet functional handbags, she took the initiative to bridge this gap herself. Armed with straightforward tonal paper patterns and a distinct vision, she embarked on creating handbags that were both minimalist and striking.
In 1993, her first collection of six handbags debuted to immediate acclaim. This collection marked the beginning of an accessories revolution that quickly gained momentum, especially in New York.
The Style That Shaped the Fashion World
From the very beginning, Kate Spade New York stood for optimistic femininity and playful elegance. The designs were an amalgamation of clean lines and vibrant hues—a fusion that left a lasting imprint on the fashion sensibilities of the 90s. Young women in particular loved the designer bags, which were affordable, stylish, and functional at the same time.
One of the things that set Kate Spade apart from other brands was its ability to make luxury affordable. Their handbags ranged in price from $150 to $450, making them a symbol of stylish, affordable luxury. They became the go-to choice for young women eager to purchase their very first designer handbag.
After the resounding success of the first collection, the label expanded its range to include clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home accessories. Kate Spade New York quickly developed into a global brand. Maintaining a meticulous attention to detail and embracing the philosophy that fashion should spark joy, the label steadfastly adhered to its original vision.
The Retreat and the New Chapter
In 2006, Kate Spade sold her stake in the company to focus on her family. Nevertheless, the label continued to thrive and was acquired by Tapestry, Inc., the parent company of Coach, in 2017.
After a few years, Kate Spade returned to the fashion world under the name Frances Valentine and founded a new label for luxury accessories. Despite this new start, Kate Spade remained closely associated with the brand that bore her name.
The Tragic Loss of a Visionary
On June 5, 2018, the news of Kate Spade’s death shocked the fashion world. She had suffered from depression and anxiety for years, and her suicide came as an unexpected shock to many. Her death triggered a worldwide wave of grief. Many people expressed their sympathy and remembered the legacy of the designer who had shaped an era of fashion. Many of her colleagues and customers reacted to the news of Spade’s death within a few hours. Her family also spoke out. “We are devastated,” they said in a statement. “We loved Kate very much and will miss her immensely.” Spade has a daughter with her husband.
Diane von Furstenberg, designer and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), said in a statement that Spade had an “immeasurable impact on the US fashion industry and how the world has viewed American accessories.” Actress Viola Davis wrote that although she doesn’t care much about fashion, she loved her Kate Spade bags. “Practical, classic and elegant.”
Spade herself told Glamour magazine in 2002 that she hoped she would be remembered not only as a good businesswoman, but also as a good friend, “and as someone who had a hell of a lot of fun.”
Famous for Rubber Boots: Hunter Files for Bankruptcy
Kate Moss’ Beauty Brand Declares Bankruptcy
Alo Yoga is the trendy athleisure fashion brand of the stars
The Legacy of Kate Spade
Although Kate Spade is no longer with us, her influence in the fashion industry lives on. Her design ethos—optimistic, vibrant, and accessible—has influenced generations of women. Today, the Kate Spade New York label is not only a tribute to its founder, but also a symbol of female empowerment and mental health.
Since her death, the company has increased its commitment to supporting women and girls worldwide, particularly in the area of mental health. By 2025, Kate Spade New York plans to reach 100,000 women through global programs and invest $5 million in women’s empowerment and mental health.
Booming Sales
However, Kate Spade’s family itself no longer has anything to do with this. Since 2017, the Kate Spade brand has been owned by the US fashion group Tapestry, Inc. which was formerly known as Coach, Inc. Tapestry acquired Kate Spade for around 2.4 billion US dollars and also owns other luxury brands such as Coach and Stuart Weitzman.
The brand’s performance has been impressive! According to Statista, Kate Spade recorded an increase in sales in various product groups in the 2024 financial year. In addition to the 721 million US dollars from the sale of women’s handbags, the brand generated additional sales in the areas of clothing, accessories, and shoes. Sales of accessories amounted to around 380 million US dollars, while the sale of clothing brought in around 290 million US dollars. The footwear segment alone generated approximately 150 million US dollars.
The German original of this article was published in September 2024.