Years after the tragic death of designer Kate Spade, her influence continues to inspire her niece, Rachel Brosnahan. The actress attended the 2025 Michael Kors fashion show during New York Fashion Week on Wednesday, February 12, where she expressed how her aunt remains her primary fashion inspiration. “My fashion inspiration was my aunt,” the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star told E! News. “My aunt was the late fashion designer Kate Spade, and she was a huge inspiration to me in every sense. I loved how she used color, but she was also one of the kindest, most generous people to ever walk the face of the Earth.”
Kate Spade tragically died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 55 in her New York City apartment. She founded her eponymous brand in 1993, along with her husband, Andy Spade. The couple sold the brand to Tapestry, Inc. in 2017 for a remarkable $2.4 billion. Since her passing, Brosnahan has consistently shared her love for her aunt, particularly on significant anniversaries. In June 2024, she marked the sixth anniversary of Spade’s death with a poignant Instagram tribute, stating, “Sometimes you run out of things to say except I miss you. 6 years without Katy today 💚,” alongside a childhood photo of them together.
In a heartfelt tribute to her aunt’s legacy, Brosnahan became the face of Kate’s footwear and handbags line, Frances Valentine, in 2019. “In the wake of Katy’s passing, my family and I were so overwhelmed and encouraged by the love and support we received from those who were touched by Katy’s work, many of whom were strangers from around the world,” she told PEOPLE at the time. Brosnahan elaborated, “When you lose someone you love, you search for boundless ways to keep their memory alive. This felt like a way to do that through her beautiful creations and an opportunity to share them with all of those who her work meant so much to.”
Rachel Brosnahan’s tribute serves not only to honor her aunt’s vibrant legacy but also highlights the profound impact Kate Spade had on the fashion industry and on those who knew her personally. As she continues to celebrate her aunt’s creativity, Brosnahan motivates others to remember the beauty and joy that Kate brought into the world.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or go to 988lifeline.org.
