What does joy mean to you?

Kate Spade New York’s Fall 2024 campaign is all about timeless charm with a bold, modern twist. Featuring a trio of powerhouse women – American actor and Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson (The Color Purple, 2023), Irish actor Nicola Coughlan, star of Netflix’s Bridgerton, and American actor and producer, Marsai Martin of the hit sitcom, Black-ish – the brand brings fresh energy to its iconic Spade Flower Jacquard collection.

Nicola and Taraji share what they love about the designs.

What’s your favourite Kate Spade bag from the New York Fall 2024 collection?

Nicola Coughlan (NC): My personal favorites are from the Spade Flower Jacquard group. They take inspiration from Kate Spade New York’s Spade branding. I love New York and it reminds me of being there. The reimagined prints are also really fresh and I love it on the bags.

Taraji P. Henson (TH): Where do I start, it’s so hard to choose! One of my favorites is the Spade Flower Jacquard group. It’s a classic! And I am so drawn to its heritage details.

Where would you bring this bag and how would you style it?

NC: I believe that even with a terrible outfit, a gorgeous bag will make you look chic. So I would wear it to any occasion. I’d wear it with a track seat to the airport. I’d wear it to a dinner with friends. I’d wear it on a red carpet. It’s a bag you can bring anywhere, because it makes every outfit look good. 

TH: It’s the perfect accessory for a chic brunch or a shopping day with the girls — fashionable but casual. The purse itself is a standout piece, so I’d keep the outfit classic with a pop of color to complement the design. It’s all about balance — sophisticated, stylish, but not overdone!

What does joy mean to you and how do you incorporate the spirit of Kate Spade into your life?

NC: Joy can be  things like spending time with loved ones. Or it can be watching silly videos on the internet. And I’m deeply into watching silly Tik Toks. But it doesn’t really matter what form Joy takes, as long as we really take moments to celebrate it. I’m really inspired by Kate Spade’s encouragement to seek joy. Fashion should be fun, and Kate Spade makes it fun.

TH: Joy, to me, is about the energy that radiates from within, no matter what life throws at you. I find joy in connecting with loved ones, doing what I’m passionate about, and lifting others up. The soul of Kate Spade is rooted in optimism and there’s joy when you wear the brand.

What was the most memorable part of this campaign?

NC: After wrapping up on Bridgerton season one, I gifted myself a gorgeous pink Kate Spade with a red heart. Growing up, Kate Spade was always everyone’s ‘it’ bag to have. This campaign gives that feeling of nostalgia and it’s special to be part of something that has an emotional resonance for so many.

TH: It was an honor to work with the brand alongside Nicola Coughlan and Marsai Martin – we had so much fun together! The brand has built a beautiful community around the idea that there is a deeper meaning to joy, and that it looks different for everyone

How do you hope people feel when they see this campaign?

NC: Life is really precious, and it passes so quickly. So make sure to take the moments of joy in as deeply as you can, and know that this is what makes life worth living.

TH: As women, we take care of everyone else before ourselves. My wish for all women is to carve out that space and pour that same energy into yourself.

What do you always carry in your bag?

NC: I always carry something for my lips. I need to have my lips feeling hydrated. I’ll also always have a portable phone charger. Also air tags, because, you know, I’m a girl that loses her keys. 

TH: Hand sanitizer and a moisturizing hand cream are must-haves, especially with all the traveling. I also carry a lip product, whether it’s lip oil, gloss or lipstick. 

What’s your favourite style era, and which trend would you bring back?

NC: I love the 1970s, when prints were in style. Even the Kate Spade Jacquard print is very 70s! I think I would bring back Farrah Fawcett hair – I want to try that!

TH: 70’s for sure. I love the boldness, vibrancy, and how it empowered women. The wide-legged pants, jumpsuits, funky prints, and of course, the big hair. Women weren’t afraid to make a statement!

What’s a hobby or passion you have that gives you joy?

NC: I don’t know if it’s a hobby, but I love to get a massage because it makes me present. No phone, no work. Taking that time to rest and repair your body is very important. Cooking for people I love is also one of my biggest joys! 

TH: One of my biggest passions is mental health advocacy. I started the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of my father, and it’s all about breaking the stigma around mental health. It’s deeply personal, and being able to help others find healing offers me a sense of purpose.