Kate Spade Quotes

Powerful Kate Spade for Daily Growth

About Kate Spade

Kate Brosnahan Spade, born on December 24, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri, was an influential American fashion designer and businesswoman, best known for her eponymous brand of handbags. She was a symbol of accessible luxury with a modern, spirited aesthetic that captured the American spirit. Raised in the Midwest, Kate developed an early interest in art and fashion, attending Arizona State University where she studied journalism and art history. After graduating, she worked as a magazine accessory editor, which provided her with insights into the industry. In 1993, she founded Kate Spade New York along with her husband, Andy Spade, focusing on handbags that combined classic design with modern sensibility. The brand quickly gained popularity, expanding to include clothing, shoes, jewelry, eyewear, home goods, and more. The iconic 'Sam' bag, named after Kate's grandfather, became the brand's signature item. In 2017, she launched Frances Valentine, a new line that aimed for a more sophisticated and bohemian feel. Spade's designs were not just about fashion; they were about empowering women to express themselves creatively and confidently. Her brands embodied a sense of wit, optimism, and joie de vivre. Spade passed away in 2018, but her legacy continues to inspire countless designers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Quotes by Kate Spade reflect her vibrant personality and design philosophy: "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun," and "Be a sunshine. Be a glowstick among those who are lit matches." These words continue to resonate as a testament to her impact on the world of fashion and beyond.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun."

This quote by Kate Spade emphasizes the importance of finding enjoyment in one's work or responsibilities. It encourages individuals to find joy in their daily tasks, suggesting that a positive attitude and a sense of playfulness can make even the most mundane jobs more fulfilling. By incorporating fun elements into our work, we can create a more engaging and satisfying experience for ourselves and those around us.


"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."

The quote by Kate Spade emphasizes that taking the initial step towards a goal or task is crucial for success. It suggests that inaction won't lead to progress, and starting is more important than waiting for the perfect moment or having everything figured out before beginning. This quote encourages people to take action, embrace their ideas, and make a start – however small it may be – in order to achieve their aspirations.


"The most effective way to do it, is to do it."

This quote by Kate Spade emphasizes the power of action and directly tackling tasks or goals at hand. Essentially, it suggests that the best method for accomplishing something is simply to start doing it without delay. In other words, procrastination won't help us achieve our objectives; taking the first step and being consistent are key factors in realizing success.


"Don't be too hard on yourself. Life's too short to be anything but happy."

This quote by Kate Spade encourages self-compassion and prioritizing happiness in life. It suggests that one should not unnecessarily burden oneself with self-criticism, as the preciousness of life is better spent focusing on personal contentment rather than unnecessary stress or unhappiness. Essentially, it's a reminder to find joy and peace amidst life's ups and downs.


"To me, fashion is a form of self-expression – there are no rules."

This quote emphasizes the idea that fashion serves as an individual means of self-expression, rather than adhering to rigid or universal guidelines. For Kate Spade, fashion isn't just about wearing clothes; it's a unique way to express one's personality, creativity, and identity, without constraints. It highlights the importance of personal style and the freedom to choose what we wear based on our own preferences, rather than conforming to societal norms or expectations.


I was preppy, then suddenly switched around age 14. I asked my mother to go to this vintage store, and she let me buy a leopard swing coat, pink cigarette pants, and lime-green gloves.

- Kate Spade

Pink, Pants, Buy, Asked

The best thing about being a business owner is that you get to run your own schedule.

- Kate Spade

Business, Own, Owner, Business Owner

Before I came to New York, I only had a few pictures of the city in my mind. And you know 'That Girl?' Marlo Thomas jumping with her hat? I always loved that, and I wondered what that double street she crosses is. And it's Park Avenue! And that's what I can see out my window.

- Kate Spade

City, Jumping, Before, Park

Starting at 11, I was a movie-theater popcorn girl, a babysitter, a sales clerk - in the Midwest, they start them early!

- Kate Spade

Start, Popcorn, Them, Clerk

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.

- Kate Spade

Dress, Very, However, Leopard

Sometimes I shoot out of bed like it's a relay race, and I'm on the phone, leaving voice mails.

- Kate Spade

Voice, Bed, Race, Relay

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.'

- Kate Spade

Think, I Think, Simplest, Tug

People have this impression that I'm a little kooky, but I'm actually very OCD. I love order and organization. I'm a big list maker. But if I cross off too many tasks, and it's hard to see the remaining ones, I have to start a new list. Now that's OCD.

- Kate Spade

Love, Big, Very, Tasks

I remember someone once said there is a practical aspect to my designs, and I remember thinking, 'That doesn't sound so creative,' but that is actually the truth. There is a practicality to it. I don't design just to design. There is a reason and, hopefully, an interesting reason behind it - that is where my creativity comes in.

- Kate Spade

Reason, Behind, I Remember, Practicality

Every time I go to the market, Andy says, 'Don't forget the Triscuits!'

- Kate Spade

Forget, Go, Market, Every Time

When you're trying to be a parent and a businessperson at the same time, that is the most stressful thing you could do.

- Kate Spade

Parent, Same, Most, Businessperson

I collect books - a lot of books.

- Kate Spade

Books, Lot, Collect

I really wish I worried less.

- Kate Spade

Wish, Less, Really, Worried

Our family has dinner together every night - you can tell that my daughter wants to run. After dinner, I go up to my room and immediately put on my pajamas. I mean, immediately. I read some things that I haven't read yet, and I jump into bed.

- Kate Spade

Bed, Tell, Some, Every Night

I buy so much fake jewelry, it's funny. It's not real. I don't wear real diamonds or anything.

- Kate Spade

Jewelry, Diamonds, Buy, Fake

I like my stationery to be funnier, like, 'Here's my note, and it's an elephant with a lady smoking a cigarette on top.'

- Kate Spade

Here, Cigarette, Note, Elephant

Everyone loves to get a letter. I love sending them. I love getting them.

- Kate Spade

Love, Getting, I Love, Sending

I find color optimistic and enthusiastic, and I adore it.

- Kate Spade

Color, Find, Optimistic, Enthusiastic

The idea of recklessly spending money - even though it sounds like it's lots of fun, it's fashion - isn't interesting to me. It is a business.

- Kate Spade

Like, Spending Money, Though, Fun

No one realizes how hard parenthood is. I am not saying going into the office is easy. It's not. But parenthood, as fun as it is, is not for the fainthearted.

- Kate Spade

Office, Going, Am, Fun

I loved fashion, I really did, but I was not obsessed with it. I wanted to be behind the scenes, like in that movie 'Broadcast News.' Holly Hunter - her I wanted to be.

- Kate Spade

News, Behind, Broadcast, Scenes

I work from home a lot. I think I get as much work done at the office as at home, and I'm used to working with people who don't work in the office. I don't really care where they are, even if they're on a banana leaf somewhere. If they deliver their work, I am completely fine. I don't need someone sitting at their desk to produce.

- Kate Spade

Office, I Think, Deliver, Desk

I love lamps. I can't stand overhead lighting. I have to have everything on a dimmer.

- Kate Spade

Love, I Love, Lamps, Lighting

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.

- Kate Spade

Hope, Good, People, Remember Me

I'm admittedly not that into the Internet.

- Kate Spade

Internet, Admittedly

'Frances' is a longtime family name on my dad's side. My grandfather, father, brother, and my daughter's name is Frances.

- Kate Spade

Side, Longtime, Dad, Grandfather

I like a full house because it's how I grew up. I'm one of six children.

- Kate Spade

House, Like, Six, Full

I love Comme des Garcons. I think everything she touches is almost like gold. And she does it so quietly. No branding.

- Kate Spade

Love, Think, I Think, Quietly

Being a mother adds an enormous amount of stress to your life. You need to make sure you're there for everything.

- Kate Spade

Stress, Sure, Amount, Adds

I didn't grow up thinking, 'Oh, I'm going to be a designer.'

- Kate Spade

Grow, Going, Oh, Designer

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