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STYLE IN SPADES
Creative Director of Kate Spade New York Nicola Glass talks spring summer 2019 campaign inspiration, handbag essentials and reshaping that famous logo for a whole new generation.
Her name may be new to many of us, but Nicola Glass is one to watch. Having spent fourteen years as senior vice-president of accessories at Michael Kors, Nicola has come to Kate Spade New York with a laser-sharp vision of what the future of the cult brand should look like. We wanted to know more about the woman behind the role, and what better way to begin then by finding out what she carries in her handbag? “Chanel Stylo Yeux waterproof eyeliner, Dark Chocolate with sea salt and a picture of my son.”
Nicola Glass, Creative Director of Kate Spade New York.
Then it’s down to business. Where exactly does one begin with making their mark on a label like Kate Spade New York? “When I joined the brand last January, I started by looking backward before I looked forward,“ Nicola shares, “One of the first things I did was to establish iconic design elements across all product categories that are consistent season to season, starting with the spade. So many brands look for a symbol to define themselves, and Kate Spade New York has one of the strongest. I explored all types of spade treatments – both overt and bold and subtle and hidden, integrating it into patterns as well as functional closures.
I wanted to use our heritage as a distinct and recognisable part of our product design. The spade has endless possibilities
Nicola Glass
From the iconic logo on to the clothes themselves. Nicola’s debut collection is equal parts classic Kate Spade New York with just a dash of something new, enough to serve their longstanding customer, while also wooing a new kind of girl along the way. Where did the inspiration for this woman come from? “I was inspired by the early ad campaigns. I loved how they played with perspective and proportions. There was always something a little off - like an oversized hat - that was witty and made you smile. The women in the campaigns conveyed a sense of individuality - they were optimistic, spirited and happy. All of that served as a springboard for me and it was reflected in the styling of the runway show. “
I looked at how women live their lives and found that real women organize their lives with two bags – a shoulder bag for their essentials and a larger tote bag to carry everything else they need during the day
Nicola Glass
Kate Spade’s spring summer 2019 was photographed by Tim Walker.
For someone who has such a deep appreciation of all that has gone before her in the brand, Nicola is striking a perfect balance of blending heritage with modernity. The secret, Nicola says, is reaching all of their customers, each worthy in their own way. “From the teenage girl buying an iPhone case and accessories with her summer pay check to the newly-engaged woman registering for our china, to the mother treating herself to something extraordinary, our customer is a mindset, rather than a demographic. She’s in love with life and has a sense of realness, combined with a self-defined purpose.“ Luckily, Kate Spade New York have chosen a creative director who embodies their girl in spades.
GET SOME STYLE IN SPADES
KATE SPADE NEW YORK Nicola Twistlock Medium Shoulder Bag
Now €170.00
Was €450.00
KATE SPADE NEW YORK $product.object.name
€145.00
KATE SPADE NEW YORK Nicola Spade Floral Medium Shoulder Bag
Now €195.00
Was €495.00
KATE SPADE NEW YORK $product.object.name
€250.00
KATE SPADE NEW YORK $product.object.name
€395.00
KATE SPADE NEW YORK Peacock Bag Charm
Now €25.00
Was €85.00
KATE SPADE STATIONARY $product.object.name
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