Since stepping away from the high-profile world he built with his brother, the question "what is andy spade doing now" reflects a profound shift from public-facing brand executive to a private individual focused on deliberate living. For years synonymous with sleek accessories and a New York cool aesthetic, Spade has largely vanished from the commercial radar, trading boardrooms for a quieter existence centered on family and personal fulfillment. This transition marks a distinct chapter, moving from the spotlight of Madewell and the Spade brand to a life defined by intentionality and presence.
Departure from the Public Eye
Andy Spade's decision to leave the fashion world was not a sudden scandal but a calculated retreat from a structure he helped create. Selling his majority stake in the company he founded with his wife, actress Kate Spade, in 2006, he effectively severed his daily involvement with the brand that bears their name. This move signaled a clear prioritization of personal well-being and family life over the relentless demands of a global fashion empire, a choice that naturally fuels curiosity about his current endeavors.
Focus on Family and Personal Life
By many accounts, Spade's primary occupation since his departure has been that of a dedicated husband and father. He has consistently chosen to keep his family life out of the tabloids, a stark contrast to the celebrity-adjacent status he held during the brand's peak. Reports suggest he spends his time engaged in the everyday moments of domesticity, supporting his children and maintaining the home front, a significant pivot from the constant travel and high-stakes negotiations that defined his previous career.
Philanthropic and Advocacy Work
While his commercial profile has dimmed, Spade has channeled his energy into causes he is deeply passionate about, particularly mental health awareness. He has been a vocal supporter of organizations like the Jed Foundation, which focuses on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults. This advocacy work, often conducted behind the scenes, represents a meaningful use of his platform and resources, addressing issues with a gravity that extends far beyond fashion.
Active support for mental health organizations, including the Jed Foundation.
Promoting open conversations about emotional well-being and suicide prevention.
Leveraging personal experience to reduce stigma around mental health challenges.
Creative Pursuits and Personal Projects
Though no longer designing handbags, it is likely that the creative spark that founded Madewell still finds an outlet. While specific details about private projects are scarce, it is reasonable to assume that someone of his design background engages in creative endeavors on a personal level. This could range from photography and filmmaking to hands-on work in a workshop, allowing him to express himself without the commercial pressures of a global brand.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of what Andy Spade is doing now is his conscious choice to live a life away from the relentless scrutiny of the public eye. He has effectively traded the gilded cage of celebrity for a more grounded existence. This deliberate obscurity is not a sign of irrelevance but a testament to a personal victory: the ability to define success on his own terms, free from the expectations of a brand he built.
Aspect | During the Spade Brand Era | Currently
Public Role | Co-Founder and CEO of a major fashion brand | Private individual and family man
Primary Focus | Business growth, brand expansion, and fashion design | Family, mental health advocacy, and personal projects
Public Visibility | High-profile appearances and media coverage | Deliberately low profile and media-shy
