Kate Spade Dies: Honoring Her Life and Legacy
When it comes to optimism, fun-loving fashion, few have done it better than designer Kate Spade, who we are sad to report passed away today at the age of 55. The icon left an indelible impact on the industry and inspired not only her peers, but countless fashion lovers who couldn't help but obsess over her whimsical and brightly-hued pieces. As we continue to rally for equal pay and gender parity in fashion, it's important to note that Kate Spade was a co-owner of her own company with her husband and fellow designer and creative, Andy Spade. She inspired us with her career path, captivated us with her playful designs, and infused happiness and accessibility into an industry that had been exclusive for far too long. Her legacy will endure, and these five moments are a true display of her inventiveness and vision.
George Dabrowski/Getty Images1/5Accessible Fashion
Long before the proliferation of fast fashion brands, Kate was creating accessories that fashion lovers could afford. Mary-Kate and Ashley were fans of the brand (and they eventually became designers of Elizabeth and James and The Row): taking a mini tote from Kate Spade to Anna and the King premiere in 1999. Even today, the brand's nylon tote still rings in at under $200.
Wendy Maeda/The Boston Globe via Getty Images2/5Optimism
Let's be honest: fashion can be a bit full of itself at times. The industry is known for being exclusive and elitist, but Kate was never having any of that. Her designs were always a breath of fresh air: encompassing bright hues, lively prints, whimsical nods to animals, and fun sayings. Wearing her pieces truly made getting dressed each morning fun. The brand is still continuing that legacy under the direction of creative director Nicola Glass.
Instagram/FrancesValentine3/5Her New Brand
In 2007, Kate walked away from her namesake brand. But in 2015, she was back with Frances Valentine. The brand incorporates the same vibrant and zippy signatures that she was always known for. We hope the company will live on now that Kate is gone.
4/5Making Nylon Chic
"Our story begins in 1993 with a boxy, black nylon handbag called sam," the brand writes on Pinterest. "We wanted something utilitarian and timeless — a bag that could go with everything from jeans to a cocktail dress. Sam did, and women and fashion editors alike swooned." In 2015, Kate Spade co-owner Andy Spade told WWD, "We were the first in America to work with nylon. We got lucky." Now the market is full of styles in the versatile fabrication. Talk about trendsetting!
Walter McBride5/5Co-Owning Her Brand
Fashion still has a long way to go when it comes to inclusivity, including hiring more women. That's why it's still news that a phenom like Clare Waight Keller was appointed for the creative director position at Givenchy: a first in the iconic French fashion house's history. Kate was a pioneer in the space, as she co-owned Kate Spade from the beginning and then went on to start Frances Valentine. The company has continued that legacy of powerful women at the creative helm, with Deborah Lloyd succeeding Kate and now Nicola Glass.
