Michael Kors or Kate Spade?
These are two of the most well-known designer brands in the U.S. at the moment, and I think both brands have timeless pieces that never disappoint.
Both designer brands have taken on the global fashion industry with their unique styles.
Michael Kors is more known for having a modern, bold style, offering clothing, accessories and more. While Kate Spade is more of a simple, classic brand that sells bags and luxury goods for women.
When it comes to making a decision on which brand you should choose, we have done the hard work for you and broke down each brand in this Michael Kors vs Kate Spade ultimate style showdown, basing it on a few categories like price points, design aesthetics, and more.
The Rise of Michael Kors
Designer Michael Kors has always been passionate about fashion, since he was a little boy.
He took on a job at Lothar’s, a trendsetting boutique, while still attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where his talents were noticed by the vice president of Bergdorf Goodman, Dawn Mello.
Mello encouraged Kors to create his own collection, and that how the brand Michael Kors was established in 1981.
He held his first fashion show in 1984 where big supermodels, like Iman, strutted down the runway.
People say Kors was successful from the start, as he created chic, luxurious sportswear that was both glamorous and effortless.
He built a reputation by understanding how a woman lives and wants to feel in her clothes, which is confident and at ease.
The Evolution of Kate Spade
Founded in 1993 by Kate Brosnahan Spade, Kate Spade New York is a global life and style brand that, along with handbags, has clothes, shoes, jewelry, and even home decor, all things you use daily.
Spade was an accessories editor at Mademoiselle who couldn’t find the fashionable utilitarian handbag she’d been craving for years.
So, she took matters into her own hands and started designing handbags from her apartment out of colorful construction paper.
The vision she had for the brand was to utilize the power of modern, sophisticated colors, and that polished ease looks and feels chic with a touch of joyfulness.
Price Points: How the Brands Stack Up
When it comes to the prices of both brands’ items they are of course more on the pricey side as they are high-end designer brands.
It always depends on the style and size of the bag but compared to Michael Kors, Kate Spade’s bags tend to be lower in prices.
Most Kate Spade bags have a price range of $100 to $300, while Michael Kors bags are more of a splurge with a price range of $300 to $500.
Design Aesthetics: Chic vs Quirky
When it comes to the design aesthetic of each brand, Michael Kors’ aesthetic could be described as having sleek and versatile designs.
Whether it be for men or women, Michael Kors sticks to having a strong fashion identity featuring a mix of trends, fabrics, prints, and colors, which was very apparent in the newest runway show that was held at New York fashion week.
Many stars like Blake Lively, and Olivia Wilde showcased stunning items from the Spring/Summer 2024 Michael Kors collection runway show.
As for Kate Spade’s aesthetic, it’s fun, whimsical, and playful.
Kate Spade is a very unique brand. I think the brand’s items are pretty easy to point out from its powerful stamp of a label, the colorful patterns, the polka dots, and of course the elegance.
Material Quality and Durability
I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything bad about either brand’s materials or craftsmanship of the bags or products.
Commuting women who are constantly on the move could opt for Kate Spade bags as they are made of high quality leather (Italian smooth leather and Saffiano leather), and other materials like nylon, fabrics, and canvas.
Michael Kors bags are on the higher price range but it’s not based on the craftsmanship or better materials, it’s just a choice.
But like Kate Spade, Michael Kors use Saffiano leather which is scratch proof and has a criss-cross pattern that is water resistant and repels stains making it easy to take care of.
Popularity and Brand Perception
I would say Michael Kors is a master at celebrity endorsement and it’s thanks to his great relations to many A-List celebrities.
Starting with the infamous supermodel, Bella Hadid, who has been modeling for Michael Kors since 2016, going from runway shows to campaigns.
Michael Kors’ social media platforms help spread the word about who was spotted sporting the brand, with celebrities like Beyoncé, Blake Lively, Emily Blunt, and internationally Dahyun, the famous Korean singer.
Kate Spade New York though didn’t take on the celebrity route as much.
Although lately you could see some celebrities like Sam Smith or America Ferrera with their Kate Spade purse in hand.
Kate Spade New York’s identity is pretty unique, the public’s perception of the brand is a blend of playfulness, and sophistication with a timeless which is pretty much what the brand is about.
Functional Aspects: Utility and Versatility
Being designed after Kate Spade’s desire of having stylishly practical bags, Kate Spade New York bags are perfect, reliable everyday bags.
They’re very secure with their tote bags specifically as they have a zip top to keep your things safe making them an ideal city commute bag.
The durability and practicality of Michael Kors’ bags are up for debate though.
The craftsmanship of the bags are great, with high quality fabrics.
Especially in the new MICHAEL Michael Kors line, they’re producing products in large volumes so people were worried about the quality.
In general, the structural elements appear to be well crafted with tidy finishing.
It includes reinforced stitching, durable hardware that holds under pressure, smooth zippers that don’t catch or warp, and sturdy straps that don’t wrinkle or deform quickly.
As mentioned before, all the bags in both brands are made with high quality leather so they could get wet without anything inside being ruined.
The Final Verdict: Choosing what’s right for you
The comparison between Michael Kors and Kate Spade has been an on-going thing for some time now, and it’s obvious why.
It can get confusing when you’re going to get yourself or someone you love a high-end bag.
But both these brands offer chic, unique bags that grab everyone’s attention whether younger or older generation.
Their prices are relatively on the affordable side, especially because of the high quality materials they use.
At the end of the day, it’s all about what you like and prefer to have.
If you’re someone who likes popping and fun things then maybe Kate Spade is better for you, or if you’re looking to stay classy and modern then Michael Kors is the way to go.
It’s important to choose something based on your personal preferences, that matches your style and personality, and makes you happy.
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