Kate Valentine (born Katherine Noel Brosnahan, December 24, 1962 – June 5, 2018), known professionally as Kate Spade, was an American fashion designer and businesswoman. She was the namesake and former co-owner of the designer brand Kate Spade New York.
Kate and Andy Spade founded Kate Spade New York in 1993. She sold 56% of the company to Neiman Marcus Group in 1999, and the rest of the company in 2006. In 2016, she and her partners launched a new fashion brand called Frances Valentine.
Personal life
Spade married Andy Spade, the brother of actor/comedian David Spade, in 1994. The couple had one child, Frances Beatrix Spade, born in February 2005. Her niece is actress Rachel Brosnahan.
Kate Spade Cause of Death
On June 5, 2018, Spade was found dead after an apparent suicide by hanging in her Manhattan apartment.