Style Talk: Deborah Lloyd, President and Chief Creative Officer, Kate Spade New York

Kate Spade New York is one of the world’s most notable fashion brands. Known for a strong dose of color and feminine whimsy, we were thrilled to read the brand’s latest book, Kate Spade New York: Places To Go People To See. One look and we couldn’t get enough of all the beautiful details, from the cover decked out in emerald green and gold, to the stunning images of places we’ve dreamed of visiting (Tokyo and Marrakech are at the top of our list). We chatted with Deborah Lloyd, President and Chief Creative Officer of Kate Spade New York, about the inspiration for this one-of-a-kind travel book and all things KSNY.

A happy belated anniversary on the beginning of your 8th year at the helm of Kate Spade New York. How do you feel the brand has evolved during your tenure?

Kate Spade New York has evolved from a niche designer handbag brand that had one of the first ‘it’ bags when the brand launched, into a global lifestyle brand. With the launch of many new product categories, we now look at all aspects of our girl’s life. Not just handbags but ready to wear, shoes, jewelry, swim wear, children’s wear, watches, sunglasses, fashion accessories, fragrance, stationary and table top. It all comes from good brand DNA and a focused vision and confidence in what we are doing for our girl.

From Burberry to Banana Republic to Kate Spade you have had an amazingly stylish professional journey. What does it take to successfully connect not only with three very different markets, but with the brands themselves?

I’ve always been influenced by branding. I love looking at brands and discovering their DNA, taking that essence and building on it. You have to love what you do and be passionately connected to those brands and have confidence in what you are doing.

Kate Spade New York’s latest book, Places to Go People to See, is a visual feast. What is the message behind this unique travel book?

The art of travel has always been a huge inspiration for the brand. While it is wonderful to travel and experience these places, we have been curating what we feel to be a colorful journey through the eras that have most influenced us. The message is that inspiration is all around you, you just have to look for it! I hope people enjoy the book as much as my team and I have enjoyed putting it together.

“I’m one of many Kate Spade New York girls, the brand is very close to my heart.” -Deborah Lloyd

In the introduction, you mention both your inspiration to travel and the inspiration that you and your team glean from seeing and experiencing more of what the world has to offer. Is there one place that you’ve been that has inspired you more than any other?

Paris is the place I’ve been endlessly inspired by. I first visited as a child and my love affair with the city started there. I lived in Paris for six years and I still miss it. I visit twice a year and always find something new to do and see.

You speak about your grandmother in the book, and how she brought pieces home for you during her travels. What do you bring home from your own travels today?

My home is a record of my travels. I collect art and photography from all over the world. Bankseys from London, Gruaus from Paris, Peter Beards from New York. It’s rare that I will return from my travels with an empty suit case. A favorite pastime is combing the beach for shells and sea glass which I keep in glass jars.

With two beautiful books behind you and a growing brand, what’s next for Kate Spade New York?

We have many new projects on the horizon! The work we do at Kate Spade New York is never finished. We are constantly looking to find new ways to reach our consumer and fulfill her life in everything that she does.

Images from ABRAMS and Fast Company. Click on the arrows to enjoy the image gallery.