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Kate Spade

Historical Figure

Kate Spade

1962–2018

American fashion designer (1962–2018)

Modern

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Biography

Katherine Noel Valentine Brosnahan Spade was an American fashion designer and entrepreneur. She was the co-founder and co-owner of the designer brand Kate Spade New York.

Read more on Wikipedia

Timeline

The story of Kate Spade, told in moments.

1962 Birth

Born Katherine Noel Brosnahan in Kansas City, Missouri. Worked in the accessories department at Mademoiselle magazine after college. Noticed that handbags were either too fancy or too cheap.

Was noticing the gap between fancy and cheap bags a designer's instinct? Did working at Mademoiselle teach you what was missing? Was Kansas City the right place to grow that eye?
1993 Event

Launched Kate Spade New York with six handbag designs. Clean shapes, bright colors, nylon fabric. She sewed prototypes on her apartment floor. Barneys ordered the first batch.

What was it like sewing prototypes on your apartment floor? Did Barneys ordering the first batch feel like validation? Were six handbag designs enough to start a revolution?
1999 Life

Won the CFDA award for Best Accessory Designer. The brand had expanded into clothing, shoes, stationery, and fragrance. She and her husband Andy sold their remaining stake to Neiman Marcus for $59 million in 2006.

Did the CFDA award confirm what you already knew? Was selling your stake for $59 million bittersweet? How do you build a brand from a name and a shape?
2018 Death

Died by suicide in her Manhattan apartment. Age 55. She'd been battling depression and anxiety for years. The news prompted a national conversation about mental health and the gap between public image and private suffering.

Was the gap between public image and private suffering always there? What would you want people to understand about depression? Does your name on millions of bags carry what you intended?

Artifacts (15)

Contents

Photographs of the contents of women's purses by handbag designer Kate Spade.

2001
Works Read Talk

Style

Presents a guide to personal style, sharing practical information and modern dress etiquette guidelines in such areas as identifying flattering colors and cuts and preparing a wardrobe for a variety...

2004
Works Read Talk

Manners

Presents a guide to modern etiquette and social conundrums, covering such areas as table manners, thank-you notes, office gossip, and introductions for a range of environments.

2004
Works Read Talk

Manners

Making a good first impression, tipping for a haircut, dispensing with a large handful of cherry pits, and determining the so-called pedestrian passing lane on a crowded sidewalk are just some of the...

2004
Works Read Talk

Occasions

Every occasion calls out for something extra, whether it's flowers you set on the table, foods to honor a special gathering, or the selection of music. For both hostess and guest, consideration of...

2008
Works Read Talk

All In Good Taste

New York Times Bestseller: Become the hostess everyone wants an invitation from. in this charming guide to entertaining, kate spade new york throws rigid rules out the door and shares unpretentious...

2015
Works Read Talk

kate spade new york: all in good taste

New York Times Bestseller in this charming guide to entertaining, kate spade new york throws rigid rules out the door and shares unpretentious ideas for the modern-day hostess that are easy, festive,...

2015
Works Read Talk

kate spade new york: SHE: muses, visionaries and madcap heroines

The fourth book in kate spade new york’s successful series, SHE: muses, visionaries and madcap heroines invites readers back into a way of living that is singularly joyous, distinctly feminine, and...

2017
Works Read Talk

kate spade new york: places to go, people to see

kate spade new york: places to go, people to see focuses on the how, where and why of travel through the lens of the always-inspired kate spade new york girl. this new volume features vibrant...

2018
Works Read Talk

kate spade new york celebrate that!: occasions

A collection of essays and photos that will inspire you to celebrate life’s memorable moments, the newest book in the bestselling kate spade new library, celebrate that! occasions, picks up where...

2022
Works Read Talk

kate spade new york: It's So You: The Joy of Personal Style

From the iconic fashion brand kate spade new york comes a highly anticipated book on style Rules to style? There are none. For each of us, our style is our visual autobiography. A remix of all kinds...

2023
Works Read Talk

kate spade new york: things we love: twenty years of inspiration, intriguing bits and other curiosities

DIV within the four walls of kate spade new york, personal style is applauded and cultural curiosity is encouraged. long before the days of pinboards and social sharing, the brand’s in-house creative...

2013
Works Read Talk

Kate Spade New York: Things We Love: Twenty Years of Inspiration, Intriguing Bits and Other Curiosities

A celebration of the brand's twentieth anniversary serves as a visual diary and inspirational reference that offers style tips, practical advice, and entries by website submitters who reveal the...

2013
Works Read Talk

Kate Spade: Contents

2000
Works Read Talk

Kate Spade New York: Things We Love: Twenty Years of Inspiration, Intriguing Bits and Other Curiosities

2013
Works Read Talk

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