Breaking News: Fashion icon and designer Kate Spade Passes Away
Kate Spade at the MET Gala, 2001 | Getty
American fashion designer Kate Spade has passed away at the age of 55. She was found in her Park Avenue apartment on Tuesday morning dead in an apparent suicide. Spade, once an accessories editor at Mademoiselle, rose to fame in 1993 when she launched her first line of bags. The brand became famous for its playfully fun accessories, which expanded into shoes, eyewear, stationary and fragrances. An outpour of celebrities expressed their grief and sympathy on social media taking to Twitter to mourn the passing of the fashion icon.
My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it. Holding Kate’s family, friends and loved ones in my heart.
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 5, 2018
Kate Spade was more than a designer. She had a quirky visual language that captivated Bat Mitzvah girls and artists alike. She was also a staple of NYC who spread good will. My heart breaks for her family. Thank you, Kate, from one of the millions you made feel beautiful.
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) June 5, 2018
My heart and prayers go out to Kate Spade and her family. What a wonderful, talented woman who will be dearly missed.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) June 5, 2018
As "unfussy" as I am, I still loved my Kate Spade bags. Practical, classy, and elegant… Praying for her family…her husband and 13 yr old daughter.
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) June 5, 2018
I am heartbroken about the news of Kate Spade. I have worn her clothes many, many times. They were colorful, bold, cheerful, and encouraged women to find the twinkly person inside them. You couldn’t walk into her boutiques and not smile. Rest In Peace, Kate.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) June 5, 2018
Kate Spade’s tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another’s pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help. https://t.co/eruSexNoGj
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) June 5, 2018
Depression does not discriminate and comes without warning. RIP Kate Spade. Love to her family.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
— josh groban (@joshgroban) June 5, 2018
The Council of Fashion Designers of America also released a statement via council presidents Diane Von Furstenberg and Steven Kolb, “The CFDA is devastated to hear the news of our friend, colleague, and CFDA member Kate Spade’s tragic passing. She was a great talent who had an immeasurable impact on American fashion and the way the world viewed American accessories. We want to honour her life and her major contribution to the fashion business and express our most sincere condolences to the family.” While Saks Fifth Avenue posted a sweet tribut next to an archival image of Spade. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Kate Spade. She was a beloved talent that made an enduring mark on American fashion. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family — Kate will be missed by many.”
