Calling a Spade a Spade
For some reason I never fully bought into the Kate Spade craze. I'm not sure why, as hers is a charming story. Midwestern girl sees niche market in the world of handbags. Goes from main street to Park Avenue seemingly overnight. It's the quintessential American Dream story. Fast forward to today, many years after her now famous "overnight success" story. Today she's a household name and is almost overexposed and too commonplace in my opinion.
Most days her shockingly bright poppy-coated handbags and plucky apparel does little for me. Her advertising on the other hand.... her advertising is fantastic. She (or at least her PR & marketing team) have made the transition from selling merchandise to selling a lifestyle. And that, my dear, is what's winning me over. I've recently obtained a lovely pair of pink rainboots thanks to the divine Mrs. Spade... and if a promo code passes my way you bet your sweet buns I'll be snapping up one or two pieces from her Gold Coast collection.
Much like Tory Burch's collections, I don't give a passing glance to most of Kate's designs. Yes, they are pretty and fun - but they just aren't "me." But once in a while she really ratchets up the glam factor and draws me into her vortex. The quilted metallic in the Gold Coast collection are pretty, fun and timeless. No oversized florals here. No polka dots. No stripes. Just sophisticated and classic designs. Maybe Kate is selling the jetset lifestyle I long for after all!
I worked at a restaurant in Indiana and Kate Spade's brother came in. He asked the waitress if she wanted a $10 tip or a surprise. He left as his "tip" a Kate Spade wallet.
Posted by: Lisa | December 16, 2009 at 04:49 PM
Lisa, thats one heck of a story... and likely the best tip that waitress ever received.
Posted by: franki durbin | December 16, 2009 at 05:30 PM
I totally agree with this entire post.
Posted by: A Loopy Life | December 16, 2009 at 06:48 PM
These are innovative and stylish... not the usual for KS. Seems like she goes to the beat of her own drum, albeit a popular beat - but you are right, once a handbag is more popular in the "black market" (ie. fakes) it loses it's appeal. This line is a different story though!
Posted by: Jill | December 16, 2009 at 08:31 PM
Yes, Yes, Yes! I never got the appeal! I love the adverts in the glossies and then when I actually look at them in person, her stuff does nothing for me! But then, neither do most of the designers half of the time! Lately been loving Marc Jacobs bags though. I need to get one of those quilted bags for myself.
Posted by: PG | December 18, 2009 at 10:35 AM
PG,
I have the exact same challenges with Marc Jacobs. Most of the bags are almost great... but then he slaps on too-trendy hardware or makes the proportions all wrong. The difference with me as a shopper is Im always looking for a bag Ill love for years to come. A classic. For me thats a Louis Vuitton Trevi PM, a Chanel tote, Chanel 2.55 classic quilted flap (in black w/ gold hardware of course) and a small handful of other bags. I suspect my best bet is to keep saving for the Chanel and skip all the rest ;)
Posted by: franki durbin | December 18, 2009 at 01:18 PM
And see, I adore Kate Spade. She totally nails the look I love. I really don't care for the unconstructed bags, but long for a tailored look, which I feel KS always achieves. I was recently given a very "precious" bag, and have to say, not only do I feel uncomfortable carrying it, I don't know that it's better constructed than my less expensive bags. I always go back to my Chanel's for dress-up or KS for fun. Shows you just have to find your style and be true to that.
Posted by: Sallie Ann | December 22, 2009 at 12:45 AM