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Kate Spade, Frances Spade, and Andy Spade, 2007. | Kate Spade and Frances Spade, 2010. | Source: Getty Images

France Beatrix Spade, Kate Spade's daughter, is the only child in the family. Before her untimely death, Kate exemplified selflessness and dedication by prioritizing her family over her career in the fashion industry.

Kate Spade gained fame for creating stylish handbags, but she felt that being a mother was her true calling when her daughter France Beatrix Spade was born in February 2005. Kate shortly left the company on good terms after it was sold in 2006.

She had spent a decade taking care of Frances. Kate said she had heard many stories about people fighting and suing each other, which was an unpleasant scene for her, something she did not want to happen in her family.

Kate Spade, Frances Spade and Andy Spade attend Jack Spade Fall 2007 Collection at Jack Spade Showroom on February 8, 2007, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Kate discussed her special and sweet bond with Frances in an interview with People, saying that she would gently nudge her little daughter's head for ten minutes to wake her up in the morning.

While her husband Andy Spade would dash to a nearby coffee shop as he did not want to be part of any of the banter, Kate spent a lot of time in her daughter's room, where she had a "mini battle" with the child because she was still in her pajamas.

Kate said her family would also gather every evening for dinner to talk about what had transpired throughout the day. A dedicated mother, Kate wanted to make time for them.

Kate explained that she and her husband decided to have family dinners at home when France was still young. Kate admitted, however, that as their daughter grew older, it became more challenging to stick to it.

Despite the couple's challenges, Kate managed to have intimate dinners with an excellent dining-room table set, just so her daughter would be familiar with a specific structure within the family.

The well-known handbag designer stated that she would never give up the time she spends with her one and only child to advance her self-titled brand.

Andy Spade and Kate Spade attend Steven Sebring and Patti Smith celebrate the D.A.P. publication of Bygone Days 1907-1957 Photographs by John Penor at Polo Ralph Lauren Store on November 9, 2005, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Given her and Andy's backgrounds as entrepreneurs and designers, Kate noted that being a mother added "enormous stress." While dabbling in their line of work, she still needed to be present for everything. She said:

"We don't have other people to do it for us — I want to make sure I'm there. When you're trying to be a parent and a businessperson at the same time, that is the most stressful thing you could do."

Kate Spade and her daughter Frances Spade at the opening of the J.Crew Bridal Boutique hosted by Darcy Miller at J.Crew Bridal Boutique on June 1, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Kate Spade's Daughter Frances Beatrix Spade

Kate reportedly ended her life in her Parker Avenue apartment in New York City in 2018 while Frances was still in school. Police confirmed that Kate left a note for her daughter, indicating that what happened was "not her fault."

NBC stated that Kate's longtime husband was reportedly at home at the time of the tragic incident. The handbag designer's housekeeper reportedly discovered the heartbreaking scene in the apartment.

Frances Spade and Kate Spade attend New York City Opera's Family Benefit Jules Massenets Cendrillon at New York State Theater on November 18, 2007, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Kate's death occurred two years after she returned to the fashion industry in 2016 following a lengthy hiatus. She took that long break from work so she could care for her only daughter, Frances.

Frances' parents spent their entire lives building successful fashion and advertising companies into multi-million dollar enterprises. In 2016, Kate launched Frances Valentine, a fashion brand named after her daughter.

The brand mainly focuses on its accessories, specifically handbags, and shoes. Kate explained that the brand's name was inspired by other family members, noting that "Frances" was a common name on her father's side of the family for a long time.

Kate's paternal grandfather, father, and brother are named Frances. A year before she launched the fashion label, Kate legally changed her name to Katherine Noel Frances Valentine Brosnahan Spade. "Valentine" was the middle name of Kate's maternal grandfather.

Who Is Frances Beatrix Spade's Father?

Frances' father is Andy Spade, the longtime husband of Kate. Early in their relationship, Andy and his late wife bonded over a love for fashion; they first met when they worked together at a clothing store in Phoenix.

Even though Andy's wife is no longer by his side, reliving Kate's memories brings him comfort.

The couple married in 1994 and launched their fashion empire, Kate Spade New York. In 1999, the group expanded when Andy started his men's brand, Jack Spade. Andy described their work relationship:

"It's like a team of someone setting something up and someone finishing it, I think that's how we usually work."

Kate boldly decided to leave the brand and raise Frances. She bonded with her daughter for a long time and adored every minute she spent with her. Kate returned to business after realizing that her daughter was almost a teenager and no longer wanted her to be around.

Family after Kate's Death

Andy gave a statement to The New York Times in which he said that the family was shocked and saddened by Kate's death. He stated that his main priority was to protect Frances, who was dealing with the unfathomable grief of losing her mother.

The renowned businessman also said Kate loved Frances very much. Since then, Andy has kept a low profile and moved to California with his daughter to continue raising her independently.

Even though Andy's wife is no longer by his side, reliving Kate's memories brings him comfort. He posted a heartfelt message on Instagram and a photo of a Christmas tree he and Frances planted outside their home in Kate's honor.

Kate, famous for her colorful bag designs, reportedly suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. Andy Spade encouraged those struggling with mental health that it is okay to seek help and reach out to their loved ones if they feel lost.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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