History of Kate Spade
Kate Spade, founded in 1993 by designer Kate Spade and her husband Andy Spade, began as a handbag company with the goal of creating a functional yet stylish bag that could be used daily. Initially launched with just six styles of handbags, Kate Spade’s designs quickly gained attention for their clean lines, vibrant colors, and modern sensibility. The brand’s commitment to combining practicality with a playful, feminine aesthetic resonated with women around the world, and it soon expanded into a global lifestyle brand, offering clothing, shoes, accessories, and home décor.
By 1999, the Spades sold their majority stake in the company to Neiman Marcus, which fueled Kate Spade's growth and further expansion into international markets. Despite the sale, the brand maintained its distinctive identity, with Kate Spade herself stepping down as creative director in 2007. In 2017, the company was acquired by Coach (now Tapestry, Inc.), continuing its presence in the luxury market. Tragically, Kate Spade passed away in 2018, but her legacy endures through the brand's enduring popularity and continued influence in the fashion industry.