kate spade's story is one of simplicity, like the bags it sells, and expansion. The company, begun in 1993 by designer Kate Spade and her husband Andy to make kate spade handbags, has since lent its uncomplicated design for the manufacture of stationery, various functional bags (think diaper bags), and licensed products -- with lines of homewares (sheets, tabletop items, and wallpaper), as well as beauty items, eyewear, and shoes. Women's items are sold under the kate spade name; men's products carry the jack spade moniker. Owned by Fifth & Pacific, the firm distributes products in Asia and sells them through more than 70 company-owned specialty and outlet stores, upscale US department stores, and its website.