I haven't been as excited as I was for this show since my first day of high school. Kate Spade has always been one of my favorite brands, one that I've checked up on every month and have spent countless hours analyzing details of each look from previous shows to create the "perfect outfit formula" for that season.

From 2007 until this past Fall/Winter 2018 season, girls all around the world have been drawing inspiration from the former Kate Spade creative director, Deborah Lloyd. Last summer, when Tapestry (owner of Coach and Stuart Weitzman) acquired Kate Spade, Lloyd announced her departure from the brand. Everyone was left on the edge of their seats, holding their breath until the next creative mind would be appointed to take her place.

After months of anticipation, Nicola Glass, with an extensive background of working at Gucci under Tom Ford, and as the senior vice president of accessories design at Michael Kors, was appointed back in January for the role.

Already under a fair amount of pressure to reinvent the Kate brand in her own way after more than ten years under Lloyd's direction, the brand's founder, Kate Spade, tragically passed away this June. Everyone was waiting for the start of NYFW to see how Glass recreated the brand that made it's name with bright, quirky, eclectic patterns. Today the day finally came.

Nicola dove head first into this new atmosphere, keeping true to Kate and Andy Spade's original inspiration, citing that there was a "purity to their design approach that really appealed to me". Today she rolled out her debut collection in the form of a runway show, a first ever for the brand.
At the show this morning, models started walking out following a long, glittery trail throughout the runway in the New York Public Library.

The most notable part of the show? The incorporation of spade motifs throughout the designs, either made obvious in a intertwining woven bucket bag, or hidden in patterns within the clothing.

Between all of the vibrant changes for the brand today, I've wrapped up six of my favorite discoveries from the show.

Embellished Florals

Not that I wasn't already in awe of every look before number five, but my jaw dropped when the model walked down the glittery path with this embellished floral dress. Clearly Glass picked up on the cues of sparkles, which was confirmed by the placements of seat cards on each guest's chair that read: “She left a little sparkle everywhere she went.”

Go-Go Boots

There was a modern feel to classic looks in today's collection, a sense of nostalgia for shoes. (Like these Go-Go boots). However, Glass did an excellent job of connecting this style with a new-age twist, not letting anything feel too vintage-y.

Risque Kate??

A brand known for more modest, business casual-wear, Glass made it clear that her new path for Kate would be something a little more sexy, debuting a beautiful white gown with a plunging neckline. She kept it in the Kate Spade world by adding bright yellow heels and a colorful scarf.

Sam At It Again

Showing that she has respect for all of the die-hard Spade fans and nostalgia, Glass reincorporated that classic Sam bag, the first bag that Kate Spade herself ever designed when she launched the company 25 years ago. She brought it back this season with new embroidered updates, and in this show, a gorgeous sunflower-yellow tone.

Soft Mix-Matching

The brand has always been known for quirky mix-matched decorations, patterns and accessories, so it made sense that these would be incorporated into this spring's collection. Glass may have softly toned down the usual bright and bold colors, but created several looks with coordinating patterns, like a scarf and contrasting dress. Spade loyalists will not be disappointed.

Elegant Maxis

Glass mentioned that the brand "has always, in a very authentic way, encouraged women to express themselves through fashion and in their own way". She showed her interest in the brands beginnings by creating many different version of timeless, feminine maxi dresses for years to come.

Looking forward to seeing these pieces in real life, and for those who are wondering, some of the spade-print items will be on sale in a Nicola's debut capsule collection very soon!