Celebrities, Designers React To Kate Spade's Death At 55
Celebrities and designers reacted with shock and sadness Tuesday after news broke that Kate Spade has died at 55.
The renowned New York-based designer was found by her housekeeper in what authorities are calling a suicide, The Associated Press reports.
Spade, née Katherine Noel Brosnahan, was famous for her lines of handbags and womenswear, which she founded in 1993 with her husband, Andy. Though the Spades stepped away from the brand in 2007, the two ― with the aid of two friends ― started a new venture in 2016 called Frances Valentine. The brand is named after the couple’s only child, Frances Beatrix Spade, 13, as well as other family members on Kate’s side.
Kate Spade New York released a statement about its “visionary founder” on Tuesday.
“Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time,” KSNY said via Twitter. “We honor all the beauty she brought into this world.”
— kate spade new york (@katespadeny) June 5, 2018
Chelsea Clinton, Kenneth Cole, Josh Groban, Liz Lange and many more also mourned Spade’s death on social media.
“My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it,” Clinton wrote. “Holding Kate’s family, friends and loved ones in my heart.”
Diane von Furstenberg and Steven Kolb issued a statement Tuesday on behalf of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which had just held its 2018 awards Monday night.
“The CFDA is devastated to hear the news of our friend, colleague, and CFDA member Kate Spade’s tragic passing,” the statement said. “She was a great talent who had an immeasurable impact on American fashion and the way the world viewed American accessories. We want to honor her life and her major contribution to the fashion business and express our most sincere condolences to the family.”
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
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 nicest woman, the first person to compliment me on Liz Lange Maternity when I first started. And the creator of the most iconic brand. I am heart broken by this news. https://t.co/teisqU6JK8
— Liz Lange (@lizlange) June 5, 2018
Kate Spade left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and her inspiring life and work will be missed. We lost a true visionary today. My heart goes out to her family and to all she has touched.
— Mr. Kenneth Cole (@mr_kennethcole) June 5, 2018
I loved @katespadeny’s beautiful and whimsical fashions. So sad. Prayers to her family.
— Savannah Guthrie (@SavannahGuthrie) June 5, 2018
RIP Kate Spade. God damn.
— roxane gay (@rgay) 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
Very saddened to hear about the passing of Kate Spade. Mental illness does not discriminate and can happen to anyone with any circumstances. I hope she has found peace ❤️
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) June 5, 2018
Heartbroken to hear about Kate Spade. I hope she can be remembered for her legacy of creating a world of whimsy and making simple things feel special and beautiful. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, please know you don't have to do it alone | 1-800-273-8255
— nicolette mason (@nicolettemason) June 5, 2018
SO HEARTBREAKING. She always had so much light. RIP Kate. And prayers to your family. https://t.co/uWrQy8X1MM
— Joe Zee (@mrjoezee) June 5, 2018
Kate Spade & her brand have always been so kind to me the past couple years & I’m crushed to hear about her passing. Suicide isn’t “the easy way out” and shouldn’t be mocked. My heart goes out to her family & team today 😭💕
— Tess Holliday 🥀 (@Tess_Holliday) 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
Shocked to hear of Kate Spade’s passing. She was a pioneer for women’s fashion, and to the outside world, a success in every way. But mental illness does not discriminate. No matter who you are. If you ever feel alone, know there is ALWAYS help. Love you.
— Jessica Vosk (@JessicaVosk) June 5, 2018
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.
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Designer Kate Spade Dead At 55
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