Origins & Early Life

Katherine Noel Valentine Brosnahan Spade (born Katherine Noel Brosnahan; December 24, 1962 – June 5, 2018) was an American fashion designer and entrepreneur. She was the co-founder and co-owner of the designer brand Kate Spade New York. Spade was born Katherine Noel Brosnahan on December 24, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of June (née Mullen) and Francis (Frank) Brosnahan, who owned a road-construction company. She was of mostly Irish descent.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After graduating from St. Teresa's Academy, an all-female Catholic high school, Spade attended the University of Kansas. She later transferred to Arizona State University. She joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and graduated with a journalism degree in 1985, thinking she would go into television production. While in college, she worked in sales at Carter's Men Shop, a men's clothing store in Phoenix, Arizona.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

One co-worker there was Andy Spade, who later became her husband and business partner. By 1986, the couple had moved to Manhattan. Kate worked in the accessories department at Mademoiselle. She left Mademoiselle in 1991, achieving the rank of senior fashion editor and head...

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• 1962 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1962
• December 24 (12-24) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 24
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