Kate Spade New York's Spade Flower Jacquard Line Is A Joyful Ode To NYC
Think of the words Kate Spade and chances are the energetic, bustling streets of New York come to mind. First established in the Big Apple 28 years ago, the luxury house would go on to become synonymous with its playful, tongue-in-cheek bag designs – eventually immortalising its spade logo as a symbol of quintessential American style. Introduced during the pinnacle of grunge's influence on fashion, Kate Spade's spirited, lively and colourful palette found a place in the wardrobes – and hearts – of New York City's style set.
Fast forward to present day, and Kate Spade New York sees a vibrant reinterpretation of beloved house codes. Following in the footsteps of some of its greatest hits – think: the iconic Sam tote of the '90s, summer-ready raffia bags and boombox novelty clutches – is the pretty-meets-practical Spade Flower Jacquard collection. Conceptualised under the helm of Creative Director Nicola Glass, the line boasts the fashion designer's penchant for reimagining the house's spade symbol in new, subtle and unexpected ways for Spring/Summer 2021.
The result is a flower-reminiscent logo fashioned out of four spades – a playful motif that peppers the brand's popular Spade Flower Jacquard collection – and a creative nod to Kate Spade New York's affinity for floral prints. It isn't just all about style though. The collection's floral pattern is a fitting double entendre for having weathered a difficult year, one that Glass akins to a beautiful blossoming. It also serves as a love-filled ode to the city that cradled the brand's beginnings.
As for what you can expect from the latest reinterpretation of the collection? A navy-on-neutral selection of bags – two totes, a flap bag and a top-handle – designed for everyday items and activities. Perhaps most telling of this is the incorporation of durable jacquard – a Kate Spade New York heritage fabric – which was specially sourced from Limonta, a family-owned textile mill in Northern Italy. And there's a bag for just about every on-the-go activity too. For the busy woman-on-the-go: the stripe large tote. For the couple stopping by the nearest bodega: the stripe medium tote. For the finishing touch on a first date outfit: the small top handle. And for accessorising that day-to-night outfit: the large flap shoulder bag.
These special moments are captured in the Gus Powell-lensed campaign featuring Kate Spade New York ambassador and international superstar Naomi Watanabe and model Lindsey Wixon, who are joined by two real-life New York-native couples. The bags are set against a backdrop of iconic big city cornerstones – a busy zebra-crossing, yellow cabs and the occasional plume of balloons – a fitting scenescape for a house so inherently vibrant.
Ranging from $470 - $680, the Spring/Summer 2021 Spade Flower Jacquard collection officially launches today, March 2. For a closer look at the line, browse the gallery below.
