By: Hana Kotb
Designer Kate Spade, 55, has been found dead. She hanged herself by a scarf tied to a doorknob in an apparent suicide on Tuesday, 5 May, at her Manhattan apartment. She left behind a suicide note addressed to her thirteen year old daughter and her husband, Andy Spade.
The designer started her iconic brand 25 years ago in 1993. She has over 140 retail shops and outlet stores across the United States and more than 175 stores internationally.
Kate Spade New York issued a statement confirming the “incredibly sad news” of their founder’s death, stating “Although Kate has not been affiliated with the brand for more than a decade, she and her husband and creative partner, Andy, were the founders of our beloved brand,” the statement said. “Kate will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with Andy and the entire Spade family at this time.”
“We honor all the beauty she brought into this world,” the company said in a tweet.
Her fans also took to Twitter to express their grief and give their condolences to her family, including Chelsea Clinton, Ivanka Trump and Lucy Hale, as well as many other celebrities and public figures.
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
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
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