
Stars react to fashion designer Kate Spade's death at age 55
Kate Spade's untimely passing at age 55 shocked the world on Tuesday (June 5) after law enforcement officials confirmed that she was found in her New York City apartment following an 'apparent suicide.' The fashion designer was known for her fanciful creations, from animal-inspired handbags to pastel-hued separates and polka-dotted homewares, and counted a host of celebrities like Blake Lively, the Duchess of Cambridge and Sarah Jessica Parker among her fans. Having turned an early '90s purse collection into hundreds of stores around the world, Kate was married to business partner Andy Spade, with whom she shared 13-year-old daughter Frances Beatrix Spade. Industry icons like Jeanne Beker and Kenneth Cole took to Twitter with tributes to the designer.
"She was such an intelligent, warm and wonderful force in fashion!" said Canadian fashion veteran Jeanne Beker. "Tragic that life had grown so dark for her."
Chelsea Clinton recounted her introduction to the designer, saying, "My grandmotehr gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it."
"She had a quirky visual language that captivated Bat Mitzvah girls and artists alike," tweeted Lena Dunham. "My heart breaks for her family. Thank you, Kate, from one of the millions you made feel beautiful."
See the outpouring of shock and sadness shared by the Missouri native's famous fans below. We will continue updating as more tributes are shared...
Beyond shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of #KateSpade She was such an intelligent, warm and wonderful force in fashion! Tragic that life had grown so dark for her. #rippic.twitter.com/SyyjfQf2m6
— Jeanne Beker (@Jeanne_Beker) June 5, 2018
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
“I believed that I could, so I did”. She alone didn’t change the handbag world but she was an inspiring accessory. #KateSpade#RIP
— Mr. Kenneth Cole (@mr_kennethcole) 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
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
Kate Spade:
Thank you for showing girls that they can make a living in fashion. You created the phrase lifestyle brand.
We will miss you. You did good girl. May you Rest In Peace. #katespade#restinpeace#sosad— Lori Allen (@loriburnsallen) June 5, 2018
Kate was one of the first people I ever worked with when I started in fashion as an assistant and she was still an editor, thinking of starting a handbag line. She was always full of light and laughter. RIP Kate and so many prayers to your family now. https://t.co/qLTmV92rOY
— Joe Zee (@mrjoezee) 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
If you or someone you know are thinking about suicide, call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566, text 45645 or chat with someone here.