Next year, Kate Spade will be turning 25. And to celebrate this milestone, the American fashion brand has presented a New Orleans-inspired collection, boasting magnificent flora of the leafy district and the playful sounds of jazz spilling out onto the streets. During New York Fashion Week on Friday, we went down to the special presentation to see the incredible collection first-hand. Joining the likes of Issa Rae, Elisabeth Moss and Jamie Chung at the Oyster Bar in Manhattan's Grand Central Station, we were transported back in time as we watched the stunning unveiling whilst listening to the live music provided by the Preservation Hall’s Brass band.
Kate Spade presented a New Orleans-inspired collection during NYFW
"It's our 25th anniversary so we're taking a joyous trip around America," announced Deborah Lloyd, the brand’s chief creative officer. We watched the models take centre stage, dressed in a beautiful array of clothes bursting with soft dusky pink, strawberry and pale blue hues. Delicate touches of green fauna and pretty florals dominated the theme, and helped bring the collection to life. "New Orleans is known as the Big Easy and that really influenced the way we styled the clothes," added British-born Deborah. "There's an ease to what we’ve done this season, it’s less buttoned up than we normally do. I think the result is really fresh."
Pretty florals took centre stage
There was also a sense of laid-back dressing in the creative collection, consisting of gingham sundresses and relaxed suits as well as flared denim trousers, paired with a dark denim peplum-styled jacket. The noted fashion house also announced the comeback of the "original" handbag which first came to prominence in 1993. Deborah surprised the crowd as she revealed plans for the iconic Sam tote, the boxy nylon handbag which chic city-slickers would wear with pride. But this time, the item will be reimaged in a variety of forms which represent the brand over the past 25 years.
Issa Rae, Elisabeth Moss and Jamie Chung attended the presentation