

By 2006, revenue was reportedly near $99 million. The company started from nothing, and after 1998 it started to expand, with sales totaling $27 million. The business was one of the first of its time to go digital, by using iPads, cell phones, and computers, as a part of the daily routine when working at one of its stores. Everywhere people went in New York from about 1997 to 2000, it would have been impossible to avoid seeing women carrying that simple nylon bag. recommended buying the shares because of the brand’s growth potential. Kate Spade rose in eight months after a journalist at Cleveland Research Co. In 1996, Spade's company opened its first shop in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. Her debut line infused classic shapes, colors and fabrics into a now iconic square bag with a little black label sewn to the outside of the bag that said “Kate Spade New York.” Their main target market at this time was the upper middle class. Eventually, Andy withdrew $35,000 from his 401K account to fund the production of Kate's handbags. Originally, the business started out with the Sam handbag and was only making colorful lively bags for consumers. Kate Spade New York started after a suggestion from Andy when Katherine wasn't sure about her next career move after logging six years at Mademoiselle.

Kate Spade New York was founded in 1993 by Katherine Noel Brosnahan and her husband/business partner Andy Spade. The team slowly worked their way up the social ladder until they were able to create a company that would be noticed by the public. She also researched the styles, fabrics, and potential production costs of making her own handbags. To get inspiration, Kate browsed local flea markets and secondhand stores. It was in New York that Katherine worked as a style editor for Mademoiselle, but left in 1991 (with the title of senior editor/head of accessories) to start her own handbag line. In 1986, after completing their education, the couple moved to New York City. Katherine majored in journalism, while Andy majored in architecture. It is there that she met her future husband, Andy Spade. Eventually she moved to Arizona, where she attended Arizona State University and graduated in 1985. She grew up in Kansas City and went to an all-girls Catholic high school. Katherine Noel Brosnahan (later known as Kate Spade) was born on December 24, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri. Temporary shop in New York Prior to company creation
