For many people, buying a Kate Spade handbag was the first step into adulthood. She made fashion approachable, but always fun, and the fashion world is still reeling after the announcement of her suicide yesterday.
Kate Spade was a vibrant, colorful and fun presence in fashion, just like her creations https://t.co/ZOpXamHKzk pic.twitter.com/4s6MnynjSx
— Bloomberg (@business) June 6, 2018
Spade worked as an editor before starting her career in design. When she stepped on the New York fashion scene in the ’90s, she was a breath of fresh air for the industry. Prior to her influence, the fashion scene was oversaturated with muted palette colors, like brown, charcoal and anthracite. Spade created bright, bold hues and fun patterns that immediately took the fashion world by storm. It was different, and it appealed to everyone from soccer moms to high-ranking business executives.
Aside from paving the way for bright colors, Spade also had another, more direct impact on the promotional apparel world. She was one of the first major designers to stamp her logo on the outside of the bag, rather than the inside. In effect, she created the idea of branding in retail, and its because of her that trends such as “logomania” continue to see such major success.
We were very sad to hear the news of Spade’s passing at the age of 55. Her legacy in the fashion world will continue to live on, and we’re glad we got to witness her remarkable life and career. We just wish it hadn’t been cut short.
