Kate Spade, designer of popular handbags, found dead in NY-home
Fashion designer Kate Spade, whose handbags had defined the journey of a generation of American women into adulthood, was found dead in her New York home yesterday morning. She was 55. The first Kate Spade Handbags store opened in 1996, which have now mushroomed to over 300 worldwide. Her fashion brand, which she later sold, eventually expanded to clothes, jewelry and fragrances.
The iconic 'spade' logo that became a trademark
Spade, former editor at the now-closed Mademoiselle magazine, came to prominence with her bright, colorful, preppy handbags, which became a more attainable status symbol than a Fendi or a Chanel. In 2017, the brand was acquired by Tapestry Inc, formerly known as Coach, in a $2.4bn deal. She and her husband then set up another venture, Frances Valentine, named after their daughter.
Request our privacy be respected as we grieve: Family
The designer was found hanging in her apartment by the housekeeper. A suicide note was found, which reportedly addressed her 13-year-old and conveyed it wasn't her fault. In a statement, the family said: "We are all devastated by today's tragedy. We loved Kate dearly and will miss her terribly. We would ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very difficult time."
Tributes pour in on social media
Eminent personalities condoled the death on social media. "My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. Holding Kate's family, friends and loved ones in my heart," wrote Chelsea Clinton. Remembering Spade, actor Lena Dunham tweeted: "She...had a quirky visual language that captivated Bat Mitzvah girls and artists alike. She was a staple of NYC who spread good will."
'My first Kate Spade'
Another celebrity death triggers a talk on depression
The death has triggered a discussion on depression. Spade's sister told a publication that she urged her to seek treatment, but Spade was "concerned how hospitalization might harm the image of the "happy-go-lucky" brand." Ivanka Trump called the death "a painful reminder that we never truly know another's pain or the burden they carry." "Depression does not discriminate and comes without warning," wrote singer Josh Groban.
