When it comes to designing lively, funky and truly modern handbags and accessories, Kate Spade knows what she's doing. Not for the timid, these handbags definitely stand out - but not in an "I'm wearing a designer handbag" way.
The 'Kate Spade New York' logo is a small, subtle impression on the front of the items and is not particularly noticeable, which in our opinion is a refreshing change from the usual audacious and cumbersome gold logos à la Louis Vuitton, Dior and Chanel. In fact, everything about Kate Spade's designs is refreshing, from the bright colors to the unusual shapes and materials (Kate single-handedly brought the 'Little Red Riding Hood' whicker basket/handbag into the New York style scene and made it desirable and funky).
If you're looking for a bag that looks like it cost a fortune, this may not be it. Although the four Kate Spade bags we reviewed cost from $235. to $435. US--and they do look high quality--not many people recognized the bags as being 'designer' or 'Kate Spade'. In fact, someone even said of her small $40 black purse "I got my bag yesterday and look - we match! We've got nearly identical bags!" (Actually, not quite, dear.)
Kate's simple yet elegant and non-pretentious designs may have been influenced by the fact that when she arrived in New York she had $2 in her pocket. That didn't stop her from becoming the Fashion Editor at Mademoiselle and eventually starting her own handbag company with her husband, Andy Spade. Kate (Katherine Noel Brosnahan) used her first name and her husband's last name to create a new, groud-breaking, line of handbags that made simple and understanted chic.
Despite the fact that the company is quite new, Kate Spade has a celebrity following that rivals Gucci's and show's no sign of slowing down. This no doubt has to do with the fact that her bags have some serious personality going for them.
Every time we brought a bag somewhere people commented on how unique or 'nice' the bags were. Guys who normally never notice a new hairstyle let alone a woman's handbag were commenting on the funky design of the 60's-retro inspired 'Chantelle' Kate Spade handbag. Even a stewardess on the way to London, who asked if I could put my bag under the seat for takeoff, added 'That's a really nice bag'.
All of the bags are meticulously crafted in Italy and many are lined with a supple, soft suede. They wear well (especially the 'crinkled leather' styles) and, since Kate Spade handbags are both modern and classic--but not trendy--they will never go out of style.
As for Kate Spade's other accessories, which include notepads, sunglasses, shoes and wallets, all are equally as bright and funky. Not to be overlooked, Kate Spade already has New York in the palm of her hand... next acquisition: the world.
Check Kate Spade out online at www.KateSpade.com
When it comes to designing lively, funky and truly modern handbags and accessories, Kate Spade knows what she's doing. Not for the timid, these handbags definitely stand out - but not in an "I'm wearing a designer handbag" way.
Shan Swimwear
