Biography / Wiki
Kate Spade, an American fashion designer and businesswoman, exemplified that dreams don’t materialize by mere magic. Instead, they require unwavering determination, perspiration, and unrelenting effort.
Renowned for her role as the creator and former co-proprietor of the esteemed fashion label Kate Spade New York, she achieved widespread acclaim. Additionally, in 2016, she initiated the establishment of her fresh fashion venture named Frances Valentine, in collaboration with her lifelong companions, Elyce Arons and Paola Venturi.
The fashion world was stunned by the tragic news of her demise when she was discovered lifeless in her apartment on June 5, 2018. Authorities have determined her passing to be a result of suicide.
Height / Weight / Age
She had an impressive height of 158 centimeters (5’2″ in feet and inches). Born on December 24, 1962, she passed away at the age of 55. With a weight of 50 kilograms (110 lbs in pounds), she maintained a healthy and fit figure. Kate’s striking features included her captivating black eyes and lustrous, long black hair.
Net Worth
Before her passing, Kate Spade’s net worth was estimated to be $150 million, as reported by various sources.
Education / Family
Kate hails from Kansas City, Missouri, USA, where she was born and raised. She comes from a white ethnic background and is the daughter of Earl Francis Brosnahan and June (Mullen). Kate also shares a close bond with her sister, Reta Staffo.
She finished her schooling at St. Teresa’s Academy and Notre Dame de Sion private academy. Subsequently, she attended the University of Kansas but decided to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue her major degree. Ultimately, she graduated from Kappa Gamma Sorority with a Journalism degree.
Name |
Kate Spade |
Nickname | Kate Spade, Kate Valentine |
Full Name | Katherine Noel Valentine Brosnahan |
Birth Place | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
Date Of Birth | 24 December 1962 |
Age | 55 years old (at the time of her death) |
Height | In centimeters – 158 cmIn feet inches – 5’2” |
Weight | In Kilograms – 50 kgIn Pounds – 110 lbs |
Eye Color | Black |
Hair Color | Black |
Profession | Fashion Designer |
Sexual Orientation | Straight |
School | St. Teresa’s Academy, Notre Dame de Sion private academy |
College | University of Kansas, Arizona State University, Kappa Gamma Sorority |
Religion | Christianity |
Nationality | American |
Home Town | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
Fathers Name | Earl Francis Brosnahan
|
Mothers Name | June (Mullen) |
Brothers | Not Known |
Sister | Reta Saffo
|
Career / Fashion And Style
In 1986, she embarked on her career at Mademoiselle in Manhattan, starting off in the accessories department. It was during this time that she found herself sharing a home with Andy Spade. As she dedicated herself to her work, her exceptional talent as a designer shone through, leading her to eventually become the head of accessories at Mademoiselle. However, her experience at the magazine revealed a notable lack of stylish options in the industry.
During that era, the concept of handbags as a distinct genre of accessories had yet to be fully explored. They were primarily seen as functional items for carrying essential belongings, devoid of any elaborate designs. However, in 1991, she made the decision to depart from her role at Mademoiselle and embark on a new entrepreneurial journey. This endeavor allowed her to channel her creative energies into crafting her own line of fashionable and sophisticated handbags.
In 1996, she introduced her own line of handbags, featuring six distinct designs as her debut collection. These handbags showcased a contemporary and fashionable aesthetic, capturing attention in the upscale region of Manhattan’s trendy SoHo district. Initially focusing solely on handbags, she eventually expanded her offerings to encompass clothing, jewelry, footwear, stationery, and more.
The home collection brand known as ‘Kate Spade At Home’ made its debut in 2004. In 1999, the Kate Spade brand witnessed significant growth after Neiman Marcus Group acquired a majority stake of 56%. The brand’s success continued as it expanded its reach by selling products in renowned luxury stores such as Bloomingdale’s. In 2004, Kate Spade expanded its presence globally by opening a store in Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan.
Despite selling a 56% stake to Marcus Group, she maintained her involvement in the brand she had established and remained active. In 2004, she authored three books that delved into her personal style and philosophies, which she released alongside her fashion chain. However, in 2006, she took a hiatus to focus on raising her son and subsequently sold the remaining 44% of her stake to Neiman Marcus Group.
The Kate Spade label was sold by the group for an impressive $124 million to Liz Claiborne Inc. Following the sale, she ventured into Plum TV, a modest television network. Subsequently, the group changed its name to Kate Spade & Company in February 2014, with Craig A. Leavitt assuming the role of CEO.
Kate Spade’s global presence boasts over 175 international shops, in addition to 140 retail stores across the United States. In 2016, Kate Spade, along with her longtime friends Elyce Arons and Paola Venturi, introduced a new brand named Frances Valentine. The brand’s name pays homage to Kate Spade’s family members, combining the names Frances and Valentine.
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Boyfriends, Affairs, Husband, and More
Having reflected on her personal life, she entered the bonds of matrimony with her long-term boyfriend Andrew (Andy) Spade, whom she first encountered during their time at Arizona State University. Their union brought forth the joyous arrival of a daughter named Frances Beatrix Spade.
Boyfriends | Not Known |
Marital Status | Married |
Husband | Andy Spade
|
Children | Frances Beatrix Spade
|
Favorite Things
Here we are providing you with a list of her favorite things.
Favorite Actors | Not Known |
Favorite Actress | Not Known |
Favorite Musical Instrument | Not Known |
Favorite Singer(s) | Not Known |
Some Interesting Facts About Kate Spade
- She lived separately from her husband in the last 10 months of her life but they didn’t plan to divorce.
- She was found dead by her housekeeper along with a note addressed to her 13-year-old daughter Frances.
- For her classic designs, she was awarded America’s New Fashion Talent in Accessories by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1996.
- Her home collection won her three design awards in 2004.
- In 2017, she was inducted into the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
- She sold the full stake of the company to Marcus Group in order to raise her daughter.
- She is born with the name of Katherine Noel Valentine Brosnahan and later changed it to Kate Spade.
Social Media Profile(s)
- Instagram – @katespadeny
- Twitter – @katespadeny
- Facebook – @katespadenewyork