Kate Spade Announces the Launch of kate spade Home; Company Signs Licensing Agreements with Scalamandre Lenox, And Springs.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 2003

kate spade LLC, today announced their expansion into the home category with the signing of three licensing agreements. Scalamandre will manufacture and distribute a collection of printed woven fabrics, trimmings, and wallpaper.

Lenox will manufacture and distribute kate spade signature tableware that includes fine, transitional, and casual collections, and Springs Industries will manufacture and distribute the kate spade bedding and bath collections. The kate spade at home collections will debut at retail in 2004.

"I have always loved accents whether a bag, a vase, a journal, or a pillow," states Kate Spade. "I have always found that personal style is best articulated through accessories. The home collection will enable us to express a lifestyle in a truly complete way. Accessories define an individual's personality and what defines a person more than their home?"

"We're very pleased to have partnered with companies such as Scalamandre, Lenox, and Springs Industries. We hope to bring a fresh vision of American style to the category of home that is both interesting and timeless," states company President Robin Marino.

Kate Spade's philosophy has always revolved around personal style, long-lasting utility, and grace. Clean shapes, classic proportions, bold use of color and pattern, and an element of surprise are the fundamental principles behind her distinct designs.

"If there's any one fashion designer who epitomizes the understated chic style of today's young, modern woman, it's Kate Spade," said Mark Bitter, Co-President of Scalamandre. "The worlds of fashion and home have definite synergy, and we are particularly privileged that a designer of Ms. Spade's stature has selected Scalamandre to fulfill her vision."

"We are pleased to team up with Kate Spade," said Lou Scala, President, Chief Merchandising Officer at Lenox inc. "As the leading tabletop and giftware company, we offer more than 100 years of design and marketing experience in this arena, coupled with Kate's visionary designs, we feel we will add new dimension with a fashionable and fresh look that will appeal to young brides as well as seasoned entertainers."

"Springs is excited to be supplying bed and bath products for the kate spade at home collection," said Tom Gaffney, Senior Vice President and President of Merchandising and Marketing for Springs Industries. "The fresh style that Kate Spade represents will translate beautifully into home furnishings, and we believe consumers who respond to her accessories and beauty products will be just as enthusiastic about this home collection."

The Scalamandre collections will be available to the design trade only through the Scalamandre showrooms in the United States. The Springs and Lenox collections for kate spade at home will be available in the same upscale retail channels of distribution as the kate spade handbags and the company's other accessory collections.

Founded in 1929 by Franco Scalamandre, Scalamandre has worked with every White House administration since Herbert Hoover as well as other important historic preservationists across the country. They have consistently provided the design trade with an extraordinary selection of fine wovens and printed textiles, passementerie, wall-coverings, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Scalamandre takes pride in its unyielding commitment to design and produce elegant sophisticated products for the home that are steeped in traditions and craftsmanship of the past, but are clearly geared to the needs of today's discerning interior designers and architects.

Lenox, The Gift Company, is the only full-line American tabletop and giftware brand. The company opened its doors in New Jersey more than 100 years ago and since then has helped Americans throughout the country celebrate the special occasions in their lives with beautifully crafted china, crystal, and metal giftware. For the past 80 years, Lenox has created five official White House china services including the most recent celebrating the 200th anniversary of the White House.

Springs Industries supplies leading retailers with a complete line of sheets, towels, comforters, rugs, window treatments, and other coordinated home furnishings designed to simplify home decorating for every consumer. The privately held company operates facilities in 12 U.S. states, Mexico, and Canada.

In September 2003 kate spade LLC will celebrate its 10-year anniversary. Kate Spade founded her handbag company with her creative partner and husband, Andy Spade in 1993 with six simple handbags that emphasized utility, color, and fabric. The world of kate spade now includes shoes, sunglasses, luggage and travel items, paper and stationery products, and a beauty collection.

In 1996, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) honored Kate's classic designs by awarding her America's New Fashion Talent in Accessories and again in 1998 as the Best Accessory Designer of the Year. In 1999, the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum exhibited her handbags at the first National Design Triennia celebrating American Design excellence.