Kate was born in Washington, DC. She was the second of four sisters, oldest Martha, and younger Beth and Elaine. The Learson family moved frequently during Kate's early years and she went to many different schools: Maplewood New Jersey, Philadelphia, and then Bronxville, New York. She went to St Joseph’s Grammar School for elementary and then Elizabeth Seton High School. During high school summers she worked as a salesgirl at Peck and Company, the beginning of her fashion career. Kate spent early summers in Cohasset/Sunset Point with her grandparents. There she developed her interest in building construction with her grandfather and her love for the sea from swimming with her grandmother.