Kate Spade New York is an American global luxury life and style fashion brand founded in January 1993 by designer Kate Brosnahan Spade and her husband Andy Spade. Launch: Started in 1993 with a debut collection of six essential, practical, and colorful utilitarian handbags, notably including the famous black nylon Sam bag. Evolution: Expanded from a handbag niche into a full lifestyle brand offering shoes, apparel, jewelry, watches, home decor, and stationery. Known for optimistic femininity, sophisticated and modern colors, playful charm, and crisp, polished ease.