Kate Spade’s influence on the fashion industry is undeniable. As the co-founder of Kate Spade New York, she brought a refreshing perspective to handbag design, blending classic shapes with bold colors and playful details. What started as a small handbag collection blossomed into a beloved lifestyle brand spanning clothing, jewelry, shoes, home decor, and fragrances.
Her commitment to accessible luxury and joyful sophistication continues to shape modern fashion, making Kate Spade New York a household name.
This March, forward2me is celebrating Women’s History Month with 25% off shipping from select women-owned brands. Shop from the official Kate Spade online store and ship through our warehouses to enjoy this exclusive discount. Use code "IWD25KS" when creating your shipment to save on shipping. Find out more about our initiative and see the other brands featured here.
Kate Spade in 2002
Kate Spade (born Katherine Noel Brosnahan on December 24, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri) began her career in fashion as an accessories editor at Mademoiselle magazine.
Recognizing a gap in the market for stylish yet practical handbags, she left her editorial role to launch her own brand in 1993 alongside her husband, Andy Spade.
With just a handful of prototypes, she introduced a line of structured, modern handbags that quickly gained traction in the fashion world. The combination of minimalist silhouettes, vibrant hues, and signature spade logo became a hallmark of the brand’s identity.
Kate Spade New York officially debuted in 1993 with just six handbag styles. By the late ‘90s, the brand had expanded to include accessories, apparel, stationery, eyewear, and home goods. Its playful yet refined aesthetic resonated with fashion lovers, making it a go-to label for women seeking timeless yet whimsical designs.
In 1999, Neiman Marcus Group acquired a majority stake in the company, helping to accelerate global expansion. By the 2000s, Kate Spade stores were opening worldwide, and the brand had firmly established itself as an iconic American fashion house.
Kate stepped away from the company in 2006, and the brand continued to flourish under various ownerships. Tapestry Inc. (formerly Coach Inc.) acquired Kate Spade New York in 2017, ensuring its continued growth while preserving the founder’s signature aesthetic.
What began as a handbag brand has grown into a globally recognized fashion house, offering a diverse range of products that reflect its signature blend of sophistication and playfulness. Beyond its iconic handbags – known for their structured shapes, bold colors, and distinctive details – Kate Spade New York has expanded into apparel, featuring feminine dresses, tailored outerwear, and effortlessly chic separates that embody the brand’s whimsical elegance.
The expansion into footwear includes classic pumps, trendy sneakers, and stylish sandals, ensuring that Kate Spade’s playful sophistication extends from head to toe. Jewelry and accessories, such as statement earrings, sleek watches, and oversized sunglasses, provide the perfect finishing touches to any outfit. The brand’s influence even extends into home decor, with vibrant bedding, stylish kitchenware, and decorative accents that bring the signature Kate Spade charm into everyday living spaces.
Aiden Curtiss walks the runway at the Kate Spade Spring Summer 2019 fashion show during New York Fashion Week
Emmy Kruger walks the runway at the Kate Spade Spring Summer 2019 fashion show during New York Fashion Week
The brand’s presence at New York Fashion Week has solidified its standing in the fashion industry, with runway collections showcasing bold patterns, lively hues, and an air of effortless femininity. Each season, the shows celebrate the brand’s joyful aesthetic, bringing fresh energy to classic silhouettes while staying true to its playful yet polished DNA.
Fragrances, another extension of the label’s identity, capture the spirit of fun and sophistication through light, floral, and fruity notes that resonate with the modern, confident woman. From the runway to everyday wardrobes, Kate Spade New York continues to evolve, offering a vibrant and stylish lifestyle to fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Kate Spade is known for playful and whimsical designs, and this spirit extends into the brand's memorable collaborations with iconic names like Disney, Hello Kitty, Heinz, and M&M's. The Disney collaboration brought a touch of magic to Kate Spade’s signature style, with collections featuring beloved characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, adding charm and nostalgia to handbags, accessories, and apparel.
Similarly, the Hello Kitty partnership infused the collection with sweet, youthful fun, highlighting the iconic feline in vibrant colors and creative designs.
In a more unexpected turn, Kate Spade’s collaborations with brands like Heinz and M&M's transformed everyday products into high-fashion statements. The playful designs featured ketchup bottle motifs and candy-themed accessories, turning food-related items into quirky, fashionable works of art.
A fun and quirky statement piece, the Green M&M bag from Kate Spade's collaboration with M&M's brings a playful touch to any outfit.
Who says fashion can't be delicious? The 3D pizza slice crossbody bag from Kate Spade Novelty adds a slice of fun to your wardrobe.
The Kate Spade Novelty Shop is a haven for fashion lovers who appreciate the brand’s signature blend of whimsy and sophistication. Filled with playful and quirky designs, the shop features a collection of statement accessories that range from 3D bags in fun shapes, like pizza slices and ice cream cones, to items inspired by pop culture and everyday objects. Each piece embodies Kate Spade’s signature joyful spirit, offering fashion-forward items that add a lighthearted, yet chic, touch to any outfit. It's the perfect destination for those looking to inject some fun and creativity into their wardrobe.
The official Kate Spade online store is the ultimate destination for the latest releases and exclusive collaborations. Shoppers can also explore a sales section offering products at discounted rates. The website is available in regional versions for the US, UK, and EU (with shipping to selected EU countries), each featuring tailored selections such as curated gift guides or live shopping events where customers can shop alongside Kate Spade's in-store team. With special edits for each region, the site offers a personalized and seamless shopping experience for fashion lovers around the world.
This March, forward2me is celebrating Women’s History Month with 25% off shipping from select women-owned brands. Shop from the official Kate Spade online stores and ship through our warehouses to enjoy this exclusive discount. Use code "IWD25KS" when creating your shipment to save on shipping. Find out more about our initiative and see the other brands featured here.
In addition to the official Kate Spade website, several authorized online retailers in the US, UK, and EU offer a wide range of Kate Spade products.
Whether you're shopping for a new release or a pre-owned treasure, these retailers provide multiple options for Kate Spade fans worldwide. Using a parcel forwarding address in the US, UK, or Germany gives you easy access to new collections, special offers, and even pre-owned pieces. Find out more about how parcel forwarding works.
