Nicola Glass

It’s the American label that offers joyful, playful chic for the everyday woman, but what happens when you don’t just want to be “cute”? Kate Spade's new creative director Nicola glass tells Keng Yang Shuen what she’s adding to the brand’s lexicon.

- Keng Yang Shuen

PRACTICALITY

To Glass (this page, in black and white), a modern woman wants stylish pieces that aren’t complicated. The term she used was “polished ease”, and it’s reflected in the collection’s flowy, ’70s-inspired coats, blouses and dresses. Each piece in that last category – many of which are fuss free yet elegant midi length – is designed to be all-in-one, with just the right amount of decorative details like gently ruffled sleeves or a cowl neck, taking the wearer from day-to-night easily.

That same pragmatic approach applies to the brand’s well-loved bags. On its catwalk last September, models strode down armed with a crossbody style and a larger tote or bucket bag. Glass’ reasoning? “Most women need a small, stylish bag that’s able to hold their phones, keys, wallet – the essentials. At the same time, we also usually carry a bigger bag such as a tote to hold work or gym stuff , so this idea of an everyday woman carrying two bags is something that was reflected in a lot of the runway looks.”

REFINEMENT