“Rachel Brosnahan’s new fashion project is a meaningful one.

The award-winning star of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is the new face of the spring campaign for Frances Valentine, the label Kate Spade founded in 2016. Not only is the actress, 28, one of the brand’s most loyal supporters, she’s also the niece of the late designer, who tragically died by suicide at the age of 55 in June 2018.

“In the wake of Katy’s passing, my family and I were so overwhelmed and encouraged by the love and support we received from those who were touched by Katy’s work, many of whom were strangers from around the world,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s issue. ‘When you lose someone you love, you search for boundless ways to keep their memory alive. This felt like a way to do that through her beautiful creations and an opportunity to share them with all of those who her work meant so much to.’”