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A famous fashion designer, Kate Spade was one of the founders of the fashion brand, Kate Spade New York. Her net worth is estimated to be around $150 million.
Born as Katherine Noel Brosnahan in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 24, 1962, studied at University of Kansas and Arizona State University where she finished a degree on Journalism.
After working in a motorcycle bar for a while, Kate Spade worked at Mademoiselle from 1986 until 1991. While working at Mademoiselle, it came to her notice that the market lacks sensible and stylish handbags. This inspired her to create and produce her own products.
Together with Joel Franklin, Kate Spade handbags, a New York-based design company, was launched in January 1993. Starting with handbags, the company also produced personal organizers, stationary, shoes, perfume, beauty products, eyewear, pajamas, raincoats, books and address books. It was in 2004 when "kate spade at home" was launched. The home collection brand features china, wallpaper, bath items and beddings for homes.
Kate Spade's classic designs earned her an America's New Fashion Talent in Accessories from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1996. Two years later, she received another award, Best Accessory Designer of the Year, from the same organization. In 2004, she received the "Giants of Design Award for Tastemaker" from House Beautiful, "Elle Decor International Design Award for Bedding" from Elle, and "American Food and Entertaining Award for Designer of the Year" from Bon Appetit.
Kate Spade was married to Andy Spade. She gave birth to a daughter whom they named Frances Beatrix Spade (b.2005).
On June 5, 2018, Spade was found lifeless in her Manhattan apartment. The chief medical examiner of New York City confirmed that the cause of death was suicide by hanging. Following the designer's death, her husband and business partner admitted that Spade suffered from anxiety and depression. Kate Spade died at the age of 55.
Earnings & Financial Data
Date |
Category |
Description |
Amount |
---|---|---|---|
2017 |
Sale of Asset |
Sale of the entire Kate Spade company including debt to fashion retailer Liz Claiborne |
$124,000,000 |
2006 |
Sale of Asset |
Sale of Kate Spade's remaining 44% stake to Neiman Marcus |
$59,000,000 |
2006 |
Sale of Asset |
Neiman Marcus Group's sale of the accessories firm Kate Spade to apparel giant Liz Claiborne Inc. |
$124,000,000 |
1999 |
Sale of Asset |
Sale of Kate Spade's 56% stake to Neiman Marcus |
$34,000,000 |
1998 |
Earnings |
Annual revenue of Kate Spade for the year 1998 |
$28,000,000 |
1993 |
Earnings |
Annual revenue of Kate Spade for the year 1993 |
$27,000,000 |
1993 |
Asset |
Money spent to establish the company Kate Spade |
$35,000 |