Kate Spade. This native Kansas Citian's name is synonymous with one of fashion's most recognizable brands. Spade co-founded kate spade with her husband Andy in 1993 after enjoying a successful career as an accessories editor with Mademoiselle. Realizing the market lacked stylish, practical handbags, Spade decided to try her hand at designing a smart, well-edited collection. As her brand took hold around the world, kate spade expanded to include totes and luggage, shoes, eyewear, stationery and a home collection.
Spade's work has been renowned globally, with accolades including America's New Fashion Talent in Accessories and Best Accessory Designer of the Year by The Council of Fashion Designers of America, the Elle Décor International Design Award, and House Beautiful's Giants of Design. Following an 8 year hiatus from the fashion industry, Kate returned in 2015 with a shoe and handbag line under the label Frances Valentine.