Kate Spade Bags are not made in the USA, even though the brand is based in New York. All of the bags sold by the company are labeled “imported” on their website. Most Kate Spade bags are produced outside the U.S., with a focus on manufacturing in Asia. Materials such as Leather are sourced from the U.S., Europe, and Asia, but the final production primarily takes place in Asia.
Global Bag Manufactured Locations
- The main production facilities are in Asia, where the custom clutch bag manufactured are assembled.
- Leather and other materials come from various parts of the world, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Specific Bag Manufactured Partners
- Kate Spade works with suppliers like Abahizi in Rwanda. Abahizi handles the production tasks, making handbags based on Kate Spade’s designs.
- Materials for production come from countries such as China and Korea.
Production Process from Bag Supplier
- The production cycle for Kate Spade bags can take up to a year.
- Artisans at Abahizi help create initial samples based on detailed ‘tech packs’ provided by Kate Spade.
- After approval, final production begins using the materials of bag supplier by the company.
Examples of Bags Not Made in the USA
- Little Better Sam Nylon Small Shoulder Bag
- Little Better Sam Nylon Mini Tote
- Knot Large Shoulder Bag
- Knott Medium Crossbody Tote
- Spencer Flap Chain Wallet
- All Day Large Zip-Top Tote
- Spade Flowered Jacquard Stripe Market Medium Tote
- All Day Large Tote
- Knott Medium Satchel
- Spencer Continental Wristlet
Manufacturing Locations
Kate Spade bags are made mostly outside the United States. Even though the brand name includes “New York,” no bags are produced in the U.S. or anywhere else in the country. In the past, some Kate Spade bags were Made in Italy office, especially in the 1990s. Today, the brand manufactures its bags in various international locations.
Key Manufacturing Locations
- Asia: Most Kate Spade bags are finished in Asia, where the final details are added to the products.
- Abahizi Rwanda: In Rwanda, artisans help with the ‘cut and make’ supplier process. They create and decorate handbags based on customer specifications, using materials supplied by Kate Spade. These materials often come from China and Korea.
Examples of Bags Not Made in the USA
- Little Better Sam Nylon Small Shoulder Bag
- Little Better Sam Nylon Mini Tote
- Knot Large Shoulder Bag
- Knott Medium Crossbody Tote
- Spencer Flap Chain Wallet
- All Day Large Zip-Top Tote
- Spade Flowered Jacquard Stripe Market Medium Tote
- All Day Large Tote
- Knott Medium Satchel
- Spencer Continental Wristlet
Social Enterprise Initiative in Rwanda
Kate Spade New York started a social enterprise initiative in Rwanda through their on purpose brand. This led to the creation of the Abahizi Rwanda bag Manufactured facility in 2013, which became the first on purpose supplier for Kate Spade. Abahizi Rwanda is a Rwandan-owned, for-profit social enterprise located in Masoro, Rwanda.
Impact on Education and Economic Empowerment
The social enterprise has made a notable impact on the community: – Education: 96% of employees’ children are enrolled in primary school. – Economic Empowerment: 72% of artisans are saving money, 62% have secured loans, and 53% own a home. – Business Ownership: 88% of employees’ households own a business, and 93 members of the community work in businesses owned by Abahizi Rwanda employees.
Production and Sales
Abahizi Rwanda manufactures handbags sold at Kate Spade New York specialty shops and online. The facility has produced over 32,000 handbags in its early years, bringing income to both the enterprise and the community.
Global Supply Chain
Kate Spade & Company has a strong global supply chain. It sources materials and manufactures products in different regions around the world.
Manufacturing Locations
Kate Spade bags are made in several countries outside the USA. The company lists them as “imported” on its website. A large part of the production takes place in Vietnam, where many bags are made. Final production, especially for leather goods, often happens in Asia.
Key Sourcing Countries
- Vietnam: A major supplier for Kate Spade, especially for handbags.
- Europe and Asia: These regions supply important materials like leather used in the products.
Supplier Network
Kate Spade works directly with various suppliers to avoid risks like material shortages. Over the years, the company has reduced its supplier base. In 2013, Kate Spade had 230 suppliers across 17 countries. By 2015, this number dropped to 91 suppliers in 12 countries. One key supplier is Golden Star Co Ltd in Vietnam.
Social Enterprise and Local Artisans
Kate Spade New York runs a social enterprise program in Rwanda through its partnership with Abahizi Rwanda. This program helps local artisans by offering training and skills development, helping them grow in the global market. These artisans help make Kate Spade handbags, with design support from the company’s New York-based team.
Production Process
Making a mid-luxury bag manufactured can take up to a year. The process starts with design specifications, followed by the creation of initial samples, and ends with final production. In Rwanda, artisans receive detailed ‘tech packs’ from Kate Spade designers in New York to guide them through the production process.
Export Markets
Kate Spade’s top export markets are Ecuador and the Philippines, where the brand’s products are very popular.
Specific Products and Manufacturing
Kate Spade bags are made in different countries around the world. The location depends on the material used for each bag.
Popular Kate Spade Bag Manufacturer and Their Manufacturing Locations
Some popular Kate Spade bags that are not made in the USA include: – Little Better Sam Nylon Small Shoulder Bag – Little Better Sam Nylon Mini Tote – Knot Large Shoulder Bag – Knott Medium Crossbody Tote – Spencer Flap Chain Wallet – All Day Large Zip-Top Tote – Spade Flowered Jacquard Stripe Market Medium Tote – All Day Large Tote – Knott Medium Satchel – Spencer Continental Wristlet[1].
Primary Manufacturing Locations
- Nylon bags are made in Indonesia and China[4].
- Leather, calfskin, and suede bags are made in Italy[4].
- Some bags are also made in Taiwan, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Rwanda, and the Philippines[4].
Materials and Sourcing of Bag Manufactured
- Most of the leather used in Kate Spade bags comes from the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and is finished in Asia[1].
Country-of-Origin Bag Manufactured Tags
All authentic Kate Spade bags have a Country-of-Origin tag inside the inner seam pocket. This tag shows where the bag manufactured, such as the USA, Italy, Taiwan, China factory, Vietnam, Indonesia, Rwanda, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines[4].
Corporate Ownership and Structure
Kate Spade & Company is owned by Tapestry, Inc., a major multinational luxury fashion company. Tapestry bought Kate Spade in 2017, expanding its portfolio, which includes well-known brands like Coach and Stuart Weitzman.
Even though the brand name is Kate Spade New York, none of the bags are made in the USA. All Kate Spade products listed on the company’s website are marked as “imported.” The leather materials used for the bags come from different regions, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The final production and finishing of the bags mainly take place in Asia.
Popular Kate Spade Bag Manufactured Models
- Little Better Sam Nylon Small Shoulder Bag
- Little Better Sam Nylon Mini Tote
- Knot Large Shoulder Bag
- Knott Medium Crossbody Tote
- Spencer Flap Chain Wallet
- All Day Large Zip-Top Tote
- Spade Flowered Jacquard Stripe Market Medium Tote
- All Day Large Tote
- Knott Medium Satchel
- Spencer Continental Wristlet
Future Initiatives
Kate Spade New York, part of Tapestry, Inc., is dedicated to several future projects aimed at improving product quality and the well-being of workers involved in production.
Corporate Responsibility Goals
Tapestry, Inc. has set clear goals that align with its broader corporate responsibility efforts. One of the main projects is the Worker Dignity program, which aims to expand empowerment programs for bangladesh factory workers. By 2025, Tapestry plans to extend these programs to 50,000 workers, creating a workplace where employees feel valued and supported.
Women’s Empowerment and Mental Health Focus
Kate Spade continues its commitment to women’s empowerment and mental health, working to bring positive changes to the communities where its products are made. These efforts support women by providing training, leadership opportunities, and better decision-making skills, helping to build confidence and independence.
By focusing on these goals, Kate Spade ensures that the production process isn’t just about creating high-quality bags, but also about improving the lives of those who make them.
Summary
Kate Spade bags are not made in the USA, but their global production process reflects a commitment to quality and ethical sourcing, empowering artisans in places like Rwanda. Similarly, Sunteam, a leader in leather goods manufacturing, prioritizes both craftsmanship and ethical practices. With over 600 skilled workers in Bangladesh, Sunteam ensures fair wages and a safe environment. The company also focuses on sustainability and community support, proving that luxury can drive positive change.
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