Kate Spade’s Memorable Quotes

Celebrating Kate Spade's Visionary Style and Inspirational Wisdom

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Oct 3, 2025

Kate Spade’s Visionary Style and Inspirational Wisdom

Kate Spade, the iconic American fashion designer, left an indelible mark on the world of fashion with her vibrant and playful aesthetic. Not only was she a brilliant designer, but her quotes also offer insights into her philosophy on life, style, and business. Here, we delve into some of her most memorable quotes, which continue to inspire and delight her fans.

On How She’d Like to Be Remembered

Kate Spade always emphasized the importance of being honest and fair in both business and life. She hoped to be remembered not just as a successful businesswoman but also as a great friend and someone who brought joy to others.

“If you’re as honest and fair as you can be, not only in business but in life, things will work out. I hope that people remember me not just as a good businesswoman but as a great friend — and a heck of a lot of fun.”

On Her Career Aspirations

Initially, Kate didn’t envision herself as a designer. Her early career aspirations were more aligned with the fast-paced world of journalism, inspired by the character Holly Hunter from Broadcast News.

“I thought I’d be Holly Hunter from Broadcast News, behind the scenes running around really fast, paying attention to what needed to get done, and that’s what I thought. I didn’t grow up thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to be a designer.'”

On Her Personal Style

Kate’s personal style was heavily influenced by her mother, who encouraged her to express herself through fashion freely. This freedom led to some bold choices, like wearing a fuzzy leopard coat, which she believed made her look like Audrey Hepburn.

“My mother was very good at encouraging me to dress however I wanted to dress. My sisters would sometimes think, ‘Oh my God, you let her buy that fuzzy leopard coat at that vintage store?’ I thought, of course, I looked like Audrey Hepburn.”

On the Importance of Fashion and Inspiration

Kate believed that fashion was a form of personal expression and should be encouraged in schools. She found inspiration everywhere, which aligned with her eclectic and creative style.

“I don’t think that fashion is something people encourage in a lot of schools, but I think they should — it’s all about personal expression.”
“People always ask me, ‘Where do you find inspiration?’ and I think it’s a difficult question to answer because – everywhere.”

On Working Relationships

Kate Spade enjoyed working with friends and family, finding it both fun and challenging. She valued the loyalty and camaraderie that came with building a business alongside loved ones.

“The most fun thing that I do is working with friends and family. I would say the most challenging part is working with friends and family.”

On Spending and Financial Discipline

Originating from the Midwest, Kate maintained a conservative approach to spending, reflecting her company’s ethos of responsible financial management.

“We’re a conservative company by nature. It’s our personality – I come from the Midwest so the idea of recklessly spending money, even though it sounds like a lot of fun, isn’t interesting to me.”

On the Success of Her Brand

The success of Kate Spade’s brand was rooted in its ability to evoke emotions through the quality and details of its products. The brand’s philosophy was to create items that appeal to customers on an emotional level.

“I think the details and the quality are so important that it has to have an emotional tug. Even if it’s the simplest shoe, it has to have something that says, ‘Oh, I have to have you.'”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What inspired Kate Spade to start her fashion brand?

A: Kate Spade was inspired by her desire to create stylish yet practical handbags that were lacking in the market at the time. Her brand was launched in 1993.

Q: How did Kate Spade’s personal style influence her fashion brand?

A: Kate’s eclectic and playful personal style heavily influenced her brand’s aesthetic, known for its vibrant colors and whimsical designs.

Q: What is Kate Spade’s legacy in the fashion industry?

A: Kate Spade’s legacy is marked by her ability to create a brand that is synonymous with fun, elegance, and approachability, making high fashion accessible to a broader audience.

Kate Spade’s brand philosophy was centered around creating products that not only looked beautiful but also evoked emotions. Her emphasis on quality, detail, and emotional connection resonated deeply with her customers.

Conclusion

Kate Spade’s memorable quotes encapsulate her philosophy on life, fashion, and business. They reflect her passion for creativity, her commitment to being true to oneself, and her inspiring approach to entrepreneurship. Through her brand and words, Kate continues to inspire generations of fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete