Fashion career profile

Kate Spade

Kate Spade was an American accessories designer and the co-founder of Kate Spade New York. After working as an editor at Mademoiselle, she identified a need for practical, modern handbags and established the company in 1993 with Andy Spade and business partners. Her simple geometric bags, colour and approachable visual language helped reshape the American accessories market. Spade sold her remaining stake and left the company in 2007, later co-founding Frances Valentine. Her profile therefore ends the operating relationship in 2007 and does not attribute later Tapestry ownership or subsequent creative management to her.

Role
Co-Founder and Designer, Kate Spade New York
Nationality
American
Age at death
56
Career appointments
1
Fashion houses
1