Who became the creative director of Kate Spade after the founders left in 2007?

Deborah Lloyd became Kate Spade’s creative director after founders Kate and Andy Spade left the company in 2007.

The Spades founded their namesake handbag brand in 1993, but they sold their stake in 2006 and stepped away from the business the following year. Liz Claiborne, which owned the brand, appointed Lloyd as co-president and creative director, effective November 1, 2007.

Lloyd brought substantial fashion-industry experience to the role. Before joining Kate Spade, she held senior design positions at Banana Republic and had also worked at Burberry. During her tenure, the label expanded beyond handbags into clothing, footwear, fragrance, jewelry, home goods, and other lifestyle categories.

A common mix-up is Stuart Vevers, who became creative director at Coach much later. Lloyd remained a leading creative figure at Kate Spade until 2017, when Nicola Glass was selected as her successor.