“My Kate Spade”: Women From All Walks Of Life Share The Wonderful Stories Behind Their Bags
It is with a heavy heart that the whole fashion community learned of the suicide of American designer and entrepreneur, Kate Spade. She was only 55 years-old, a devoted wife and mother; but most of us know her as the mastermind behind our first-ever dream bag. Kate Spade, who established her brand in 1993, shot to fame with her practical, yet outrageously fun chic bags.
More than the joy-filled colors, shapes and designs, Kate Spade’s bags captured a zeitgeist: She struck to the heart and fancies of women, especially aspirational women, who wanted it all. Her bags were luxurious, but accessible enough for women on their first jobs, or even college graduation; her bags were simple, but came in every delightful color to suit personalities; her bags were meant for grown women, but always reminded them to stay young at heart.
Kate herself knew the power and happiness her brand brought to millions of people worldwide, which to some extent, she valued more than her own wellbeing. And so as tribute to her loving memory, thousands of fans share the stories behind their Kate Spade bags—proving the power of fashion, and the tragedy of losing one of our feminine idols.
My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it. Holding Kate’s family, friends and loved ones in my heart.
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 5, 2018
The first gift I bought the love of my life was a Kate Spade bag and I remember inside there was a card with the quote 'She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes'. It encapsulated the girl I love perfectly. She had a way of encapsulating magnificence. Thoughts with her family
— Francis Maxwell (@francismmaxwell) June 5, 2018
I still have my 1st Kate Spade bag, a simple black Sam bag. And today I carried one with me as I traipsed around Amalfi. Kate’s designs made women everywhere smile and feel beautiful. What a loss. pic.twitter.com/iK3bmAg9gJ
— Tracy Russo (@tracyrusso) June 5, 2018
I will never forget the first Kate Spade bag I got for Christmas in college. She was a trailblazer. Her life and death are a reminder that pain doesn’t discriminate. Sending love to her family.
— Jenna Bush Hager (@JennaBushHager) June 5, 2018
In 2003, I carried a Kate Spade knockoff bag. Her bags represented class, sophistication, and the kind of woman I was pretending to be as a broke young reporter in NY. One day I got a spur-of-moment assignment to interview Spade—while I was carrying the knockoff. 1/3
— Rebecca Keegan (@ThatRebecca) June 5, 2018
During the interview I hid the bag under the coat slung on my arm. Spade was, discreetly, trying to see what I was carrying. She was nice to me, and smart. Afterward I shared the mortifying story with a guy I’d just started dating. A few days later I got a Macy’s package. 2/3
— Rebecca Keegan (@ThatRebecca) June 5, 2018
The guy had sent me a real red Kate Spade bucket bag. I carried the beautiful bag for years, and retired it just recently because I had destroyed it with everyday use. The guy and I have been married since 2005. 3/3
— Rebecca Keegan (@ThatRebecca) June 5, 2018
Kate Spade and Co donated handbags to our scholars, so they'd show up at their internships looking great and feeling great. They always downplayed their gift, and maybe this sounds silly, but it was a big deal for our young women to show up to an important gig with a great bag. https://t.co/EbmpfSVhxZ
— Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) June 5, 2018
I bought myself a Kate Spade bag for every book deal - and they have started so many conversations with strangers. She has brought colour, joy and friendship into my life, and I am heartbroken for her daughter. If you are feeling low or suicidal, call @Samaritans free on 116 123. pic.twitter.com/xWyefFOqOd
— j a c k |?????? (@BootstrapCook) June 5, 2018
Nothing can quite describe the feeling of being a young woman and buying yourself a Kate Spade bag, feeling so adult and crisp and professional and fancy all at the same time. She and her considerable talent will be missed ??
— Emma Gray (@emmaladyrose) June 5, 2018
My first Kate Spade bag. It’s in embarrassingly bad shape now, but when I walked into Neiman’s in 1999 to purchase it, I felt so grown up. I wore shoes by her on my wedding day, too. Thankful for her style and spunk, and sorry she left so soon. pic.twitter.com/6m1rXcwSTc
— Stephanie (@smdalbrig) June 5, 2018
I’m so very sad to hear about Kate Spade. I still remember buying a Kate Spade bag in New York and the glee it gave me. I hope she knew how happy she made so many people with her wonderful designs. RIP
— Sophie Kinsella (@KinsellaSophie) June 5, 2018
I wanted a bag so badly that my parents threw me a Kate Spade themed 13th birthday party. ♠? pic.twitter.com/6W0M580Pn1
— Peyton Kennedy (@peyton_kennedy) June 5, 2018
I’m so grateful for the joy that she brought to the world, and I hope this opens up more conversations about mental illness. Just know you’re not alone. #RIPKateSpade
— Peyton Kennedy (@peyton_kennedy) June 5, 2018
When I first got a job with a livable wage, one of my first purchases was a Kate Spade. I was so proud that I could buy something for MYSELF that was a better quality and more of an investment than the bags I'd been carrying. This is so sad.
— Jonquilyn Hill (@jonquilynhill) June 5, 2018
During one of the saddest times in my life I bought my first ever Kate Spade bag, something I always had on my bucket list. It brought me so much happiness and confidence even though it was just a purse. I’m forever thankful for the effects Kate and her brand have had on me
— Kaitlyn Marie (@ktbug711) June 6, 2018
Lead photos from Kate Spade website.
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