Frances Spade, known formally as Frances Beatrix Spade, has lived much of her life in the public eye—not by choice, but because of the legacy left behind by her late mother, Kate Spade. She was only 13 when her mom passed away in 2018, and since then, people have been curious about how she’s grown, where she is now, and how she’s coping. This article dives into Frances Spade’s story, her background, and what the world knows so far.

For those who might not know, Frances is the only child of Kate Spade and her husband Andy Spade. Her mother was a beloved fashion designer who built an iconic brand, and her father is known for his work in comedy and advertising. But for Frances, life isn’t just about names or brands—it’s about growing up in the aftermath of a tragedy that the world witnessed.

What makes her story compelling isn’t just her family ties. It’s the quiet resilience she’s shown, the way she’s handled grief under public scrutiny, and how she’s navigated life as a teenager and now a young adult. This piece is for those who want to understand more—not just about the facts, but about the person behind the headlines.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Frances Spade
• Early Life and Family
• Life After Kate Spade’s Passing
• Where Is Frances Spade Now?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Frances Spade

Frances Beatrix Spade was born on February 18, 2005, in New York City. She is the daughter of the late Kate Spade and Andy Spade. Her mother, Kate Spade, was a celebrated fashion designer known for creating the iconic Kate Spade New York brand. Andy Spade is a writer and producer, and the brother of comedian David Spade.

Frances grew up in a creative and successful household, but her life changed forever on June 5, 2018, when her mother passed away. Her story since then has been one of personal growth, quiet strength, and a desire to live away from the spotlight as much as possible.

Frances Spade: Quick Bio at a Glance

Early Life and Family Background

Frances Beatrix Spade was raised in a home filled with creativity and ambition. Her mother, Kate Spade, was known for her bold yet elegant designs that became a staple in women’s fashion. Her father, Andy Spade, worked in the entertainment industry and was known for his wit and creative contributions to comedy writing.

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While the Spade family enjoyed success, they also made sure Frances had a stable upbringing. Kate was known to be very family-oriented, often choosing to spend time with her daughter over the hustle of the fashion world. That balance between fame and family is something many admired about the couple.

Frances grew up in a world that was both glamorous and grounded. She attended school like any other kid, but the name Spade often opened doors people didn’t even know existed. Still, her parents tried to keep her life as normal as possible, which is something that became even more important after Kate’s passing.

Life After Kate Spade’s Passing

On June 5, 2018, Frances Beatrix Spade lost her mother to an apparent suicide. Kate Spade was found dead in her Manhattan apartment at the age of 55. The news shocked the fashion world and the public, with many expressing disbelief and sadness over the loss of someone so full of life and creativity.

For Frances, who was only 13 at the time, the grief was deeply personal. She had to process a tragedy that the world was watching and talking about. It’s hard enough to lose a parent at any age, but doing so in the public eye adds a whole other layer of complexity.

Andy Spade has been open about how hard it was to support Frances during this time. He shared on Instagram on what would’ve been Kate’s birthday in 2019, posting a heartfelt message about how much she would’ve loved watching their daughter grow up. It’s clear that family remains a priority for them both, even in the face of loss.

Though details about Frances’s life are limited, it’s known that she has been supported by both her father and the wider Spade family. She’s also been surrounded by close friends and loved ones who knew Kate well, helping to keep her mother’s spirit and values alive in Frances’s life.

Where Is Frances Spade Now?

As of now, Frances Spade has kept a low profile, which is understandable given everything she’s been through. There’s no public information about her current school, activities, or social media presence. This kind of privacy is important, especially for someone who’s had to deal with the intense public attention that came after her mother’s passing.

Andy Spade has been careful not to share too much about Frances’s personal life, which is a sign of respect for her privacy and emotional well-being. In interviews, he’s mentioned how proud he is of how she’s grown and handled everything, but he’s also made it clear that she deserves space to be a young adult figuring out her own path.

There’s a growing conversation around mental health, especially in the wake of high-profile losses like Kate Spade’s. Many have pointed to the importance of supporting young people who’ve experienced such trauma, and it seems that Frances has had access to that kind of support system.

While she’s not in the spotlight, there’s no doubt that Frances carries a part of her mother’s legacy with her. Whether she chooses to follow a creative path, a professional one, or something entirely different, it will be her choice—a choice made on her own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Frances Spade now?

Frances Beatrix Spade was born on February 18, 2005. As of this writing, she is 19 years old. She was just 13 when her mother, Kate Spade, passed away in 2018.

Is Frances Spade active on social media?

There is no public information confirming that Frances Spade has an active or public presence on social media platforms. Her father, Andy Spade, has shared occasional updates about her life, but only in general, respectful ways.

What has Andy Spade said about Frances since Kate’s passing?

Andy Spade has been vocal about how much he values his relationship with Frances and how proud he is of her resilience. He shared a touching post on Instagram on what would’ve been Kate’s birthday, showing how much she remains a part of their lives even after her passing.

Learn more about the Kate Spade brand and how it continues to honor her legacy through fashion and philanthropy.

Learn more about Kate Spade’s life and legacy and how her influence continues to shape the fashion world today.