From boxy bags to ornamental statement jewelry, Kate Spade’s camera-ready designs exude a time when women rolled their hair into chignons and really knew how to wield a cocktail shaker. All of my experiences with Katy came with a happy, ice cream licking thrill. She lit up a room and not simply because of her beauty and fashion sense that had a jolt of something special. As I once wrote in a profile about her for Country magazine, Kate was that fun-loving sorority girl you wanted to get to know.
Kate Spade pictured in her Manhattan showroom for Country magazine in 1999.
Despite her success Katy was approachable and generous. She openly shared her stories, giving her timeless accessories increased value. Sharp-witted, Katy did not hold back on the demise of manners, why we could not regard a more graceful time when lunch at the Plaza was an occasion to dress for–if a club sandwich speared with an embellished toothpick made an effort, so could we. Her empire exuded all of her Spade-isms, even the logo of an ace of spades showed her attention to excellence with classic presentation. Katy’s last venture, Frances Valentine named after her daughter, identified her trademark style with creative detailing that was less mainstream, more Kate. She will be greatly missed and we wish her family love and peace during this sad time.
