While upbeat New York label Kate Spade started simply and small with six handbag designs in 1993, it has gone on to become a much-loved lifestyle brand that takes in clothing, accessories, home and stationery.

Kate Spade, the eponymous founder started her career as an accessories editor on New York fashion magazine Mademoiselles. She had the rather enviable job of travelling the world sourcing the best accessories the globe had to offer. After five years in this role she decided that there was a gap in the market for a smart (but not overly fashionable) bag that had great utility and timeless style. She felt that as a consumer it was what she wanted, and the public followed with rapid expansion as the range extended into new and interesting areas of brand development.



According to Kate, "Style is the sum of many things – beginning with a sense of who you are and having self-confidence."

Her husband Andy Spade, an advertising executive, saw quickly that Kate Spade the brand reflected Kate Spade the person and could in turn mirror her personal passions. Kate had always been keen on stationery and that part of the brand was born. The three books she has written offer sensible advice on a range of topics including 'Manners' ('Good manners are never passé ', Slim Aarons), 'Style' ('To achieve style begin by affecting none', William Strunk Jr and E.B. White – The Elements of Style) and Occasions ('Hospitality makes for infectious fun', Anon). So if you need to know when it is too late to send a thank-you note or what to wear to a summer wedding these are the books for you.



Kate says: ""We create products that combine great personal style with long lasting utility"

The philosophy, across the board is stylish, upbeat and fun. In the words of the brand itself ' Kate Spade New York is the brand that helps women express their own personal style with incandescent charm and a dash of rebellion'. What is not to like?

Images courtesy of Kate Spade New York.