# Charli D'Amelio Teams Up with Kate Spade New York, Celebrating Friendship and Self-Discovery
Once known primarily as a TikTok sensation, Charli D’Amelio is stepping into new roles. At 21, she's navigating life beyond viral dances, currently starring in the Broadway production of & Juliet and embracing a period of self-discovery. Adding to her growing portfolio, D’Amelio is now one of the faces of kate spade new york’s Spring 2025 campaign, alongside rapper Ice Spice.
A Campaign Centered on Connection: "To the Ones Who Carry Us"
The kate spade new york campaign, aptly titled “To the Ones Who Carry Us,” serves as a vibrant tribute to the power of female friendships. Set against a stylized New York cityscape, the campaign highlights the brand's Deco Chain Shoulder Bag, reintroduced in fresh seasonal colors like Jungle Vine, Apricot Cream, denim, and mint. While showcasing the minimalist accessory, the campaign's core message revolves around the emotional bonds that support women through life's changes.
D’Amelio emphasizes the importance of friendship in her own journey, especially navigating fame at a young age. "I have three really, really amazing hometown friends that I’ve had since before any of this happened, and I’m really lucky for that," she shared with PAPER. She recounted how they ensured she felt included in typical teenage moments, like prom, despite her unconventional life. "When we come back together, it feels like we’re 13 again," she added.
Broadway, Bags, and Finding Herself
Beyond her enduring hometown connections, D'Amelio has found profound friendships through her work on Broadway. "My friends that I met through the show, I kind of say they’re a gift from the universe,” she explained. "The show brought me my friend soulmates."
Balancing a demanding schedule of eight shows a week, D’Amelio brings her signature blend of authenticity and "low-key chaos" to her life. She admits to being an "over-packer," always carrying essentials and perhaps some unexpected items. "I’d say I always have an absurd amount of keychains, even though I only have one key," she revealed. "And, surprisingly, more often than not ... there’s a Red Bull in there," a pre-show ritual she enjoys.
Reflecting on her personal growth, D’Amelio embraces the process. "I would say… ‘finding myself.’ That’s something that’s been really interesting lately — taking the time to really learn about myself in ways I haven’t before," she stated. This journey of self-awareness is fueled by her deep connections with friends who encourage her to understand herself better.
Style Evolution and Looking Ahead
D’Amelio’s personal style has also evolved significantly since her early TikTok days. While comfort is key due to her demanding dance schedule, she appreciates how accessories, like the kate spade Deco bag (her favorites being mint or denim), can elevate a look. She experiments with vintage shoes and unique pieces, finding confidence in expressing herself through fashion.
Her collaboration with kate spade new york marks a clear step for the brand towards a more youth-focused, emotionally resonant aesthetic. For D’Amelio, it represents another chapter in her ongoing evolution – embracing new challenges, cherishing friendships, and confidently stepping into her own identity, one Broadway show and stylish handbag at a time.
On working with campaign co-star Ice Spice, D'Amelio found the experience rewarding. "It was so cool getting to talk to Ice Spice about what life is like for her and what she’s working on. Just chatting with someone on a normal level who lives a very not-normal life."
When asked for friendship advice she'd give her younger self, D'Amelio offered: "Don’t try to change yourself to find friends... The right ones will find you. And when they do, it’s worth the wait."