• Website: katespade.com
• Founded: 1993, New York City, United States.
• Founders: Kate Spade and Andy Spade
• Owned By: Tapestry, Inc.
• Known For: Sam Icon, Knott, Deco, Manhattan, Spade Flower Jacquard
• Category Focus: Handbags, ready-to-wear, footwear, jewelry, wallets, accessories, fragrances, home décor
Kate Spade New York is one of America's most recognizable contemporary luxury brands, renowned for its playful design, colorful aesthetic, and effortlessly stylish handbags. Founded in New York in 1993 by Kate and Andy Spade, the brand began with a collection of six handbags created to fill a gap in the market for stylish, functional accessories with a fresh point of view.
Known for blending optimism, feminine silhouettes, and everyday practicality, Kate Spade has introduced signature collections including the Sam Icon, Knott, Deco, Manhattan, and Spade Flower Jacquard. Its distinctive use of bold colors, graphic prints, and clean lines has made the brand a favorite among women seeking polished accessories with personality.
Today, Kate Spade New York operates as part of Tapestry, Inc., continuing to expand across handbags, ready-to-wear, footwear, jewelry, fragrances, home décor, and lifestyle accessories while remaining true to its joyful New York spirit.
Sam Icon
Knott
Deco Quilted Chain Shoulder Bag
Manhattan Tote
Spade Flower Jacquard Collection
Grace Satchel
Morgan Wallet
Smile Collection
Kate Spade New York was founded in 1993 after Kate Spade, then an accessories editor at Mademoiselle, noticed that fashionable yet practical handbags were surprisingly difficult to find. Together with Andy Spade, Elyce Arons, and Pamela Bell, she launched a collection that quickly gained recognition for its crisp lines, vibrant colors, and modern simplicity.
The brand grew rapidly throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, expanding into a complete lifestyle label. After changing ownership several times, Kate Spade became part of Tapestry, Inc. in 2017, joining Coach and Stuart Weitzman while continuing to evolve its distinctive design language.
Today, Kate Spade remains one of the defining names in contemporary American accessories, celebrated for bringing optimism and individuality to everyday luxury.
Key milestones:
• 1993: Kate and Andy Spade launch Kate Spade New York with six handbags.
• 1996: Opening of the first flagship boutique in SoHo, New York.
• 1999: Majority stake acquired by Neiman Marcus Group.
• 2004: Launch of the Kate Spade Home collection.
• 2006: Liz Claiborne acquires the brand.
• 2017: Kate Spade New York joins Tapestry, Inc.
• 2025–2026: Continued focus on hero handbag collections including Knott, Deco, and the revived Sam Icon, alongside new lifestyle campaigns celebrating friendship and optimism.
Kate Spade has helped define contemporary American luxury by proving that fashion can be both sophisticated and joyful.
“Kate Spade brought joy to everyday luxury. Its strength lies in pairing playful American design with practical handbags that remain effortlessly stylish and approachable.”
Kate Spade matters because it transformed playful American design into everyday luxury.
Its influence can be seen across:
• The evolution of contemporary handbags
• The rise of colorful lifestyle fashion
• Modern American accessories
• Accessible luxury with personality
By combining New York optimism, functional design, and feminine elegance, Kate Spade continues creating accessories that make everyday dressing feel more joyful.
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