Style in Spades: How Kate Spade built a fashion empire

Kate Spade's storefronts inspire joy in anyone who passes by them with their signature bright colors and whimsical designs bursting forth onto the streets of the city. The glistening letters that bear the foundress' name welcome shoppers, serving as a symbol of ingenuity and the power of female persistence.

Born in the Midwest (Kansas City to be exact), Spade has said she "wasn't much on anyone's mind" when it came to style. However, through her education, wit, and perseverance, Spade was able to work her way to the top of the fashion industry. "I can tell you that true style comes from opening yourself to the world around you," Spade said. After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in journalism, Spade moved to New York City to pursue a job at Mademoiselle magazine. After five years with the magazine, during which time she served as a senior fashion editor and head of accessories, Spade decided to launch her own fashion line.

With her experience from working in fashion at Mademoiselle, Spade knew there existed a need for handbags that were both stylish and practical, or as she called it, "femininity without fussiness." Using tape and paper, Spade designed her first handbag prototypes in her signature striking designs. "I've always loved strong, saturated color," Spade wrote in her book, Style. "Bright color makes you feel so good. I think it's important to remember that bright color and pattern can be very sophisticated and make you look strong." Indeed, Spade's handbags reflected that love of stunning pops of color, juxtaposing them with utilitarian designs for the strong, hardworking woman.

The night before her first fashion show, Spade infamously decided to forgo sleep in favor of removing the labels that bore her namesake from the inside of the bags and restitching them on the outside. Her visionary adjustment to the handbags was an iconic choice that persists to this day. Though under different ownership, almost every Kate Spade handbag still bears the eponymous label on the outside.

Not only were Spade's bags functional, cheerful, and sophisticated, they also helped to establish the affordable luxury handbag industry. Where other designer handbags could surpass $1,000, Spade's bags were designer quality at less than half the price point. This market would eventually grow to include designers such as Tori Burch and Michael Kors.

With her husband serving as her business partner, Spade opened her first boutique in Manhattan where she began selling her now iconic handbags. As her success grew, Spade expanded from the handbag market, offering clothing, jewelry, a home collection, and more. Eventually, Spade and her husband decided to sell her empire in order to raise their daughter together. However, the two remained actively involved in the company.

After taking well-deserved break, Spade returned to the fashion industry in 2016 with her new brand, Frances Valentine, named for her daughter, Frances Beatrix. While it exists on a much smaller scale than Kate Spade New York, Frances Valentine serves up a similar style. However, despite the brand being named after her daughter, Frances Valentine sells bags and clothing that are distinctly Kate. Their "Love Katy" collection strives to emulate Kate's classic style with chic cardigans, caftans, coats, and totes. "I'm a firm believer in wearing what makes you happy," Spade wrote. "And the only rules I'd encourage anyone to follow are their own rules."

Despite her brand being the epitome of joy and whimsy, Spade, like so many others, suffered from depression and anxiety. Her sudden death was a shock to not only the fashion community but to every woman and man who had ever admired Kate Spade.

Spade's brother-in-law, actor and comedian David Spade, mourned the loss of his beloved sister in an Instagram post, writing, "She was so sharp and quick on her feet. She could make me laugh so hard."

The best way to remember Kate Spade is as her brother-in-law did: laughing. Though she suffered much throughout her life, the amount of beauty and joy she brought into the world should never be forgotten. Remembering Kate for the way she died is an incredible disservice to everything she gave us. Rather, Kate should be remembered for her vision, her intelligence, her motherhood, and her smile. A smile that was as beautiful as anything she could have designed.