Kate Spade New York (stylized as kate spade NEW YORK) is an American fashion house founded in January 1993 by Kate and Andy Spade, along with Elyce Arons and Pamela Bell. In 2017, the company was purchased by Tapestry, Inc – Katherine Noel Brosnahan (later known as Kate Spade) was born on December 24, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up in Kansas City and went to an all-girls Catholic high school. Eventually she moved to Arizona, where she attended Arizona State University and graduated in 1985.[3] It is there that she met her future husband, Andy Spade. Katherine majored in journalism, while Andy majored in architecture.
In 1986, after completing their education, the couple moved to New York City.[4] It was in New York that Katherine worked as a style editor for Mademoiselle, but left in 1991 (with the title of senior editor/head of accessories) to start her own handbag line.[5] To get inspiration, Kate browsed local flea markets and secondhand stores. She also researched the styles, fabrics, and potential production costs of making her own handbags. The team slowly worked their way up the social ladder until they were able to create a company that would be noticed by the public.
Later stages
In 2004, Kate Spade operated only 13 stores in the United States, and did not ship out of the country (Cohen 198). The company initially sold handbags, but eventually extended to include stationery, personal organizers, address books, shoes, beauty products, perfume, raincoats, pajamas, eyewear, and clothing. It now has a full women’s clothing line. The business’ clothing and handbag lines are featured in retail stores all across the United States. Products are easily and continuously shipped around the world. By 2004, Kate Spade & Co. was worth $70 million, not including the complementary company Jack Spade.[12] Kate Spade has over 180 stores around the world, and is sold in more than 400 stores worldwide (Cohen 198). Kate and Andy went from taking “the nothing black bag” to a creative personalized purse, to later creating merchandise from the simple tote to home decor and bedding.