Kate Brosnahan Spade, the iconic American fashion designer, was found dead in her New York apartment on Tuesday (local time).
Police responded at 10:10 a.m and it is reported that a note was found at the scene.
Spade is famous for her colourful handbags, which combined bold colour palettes with utilitarian shapes in a revolutionary way. A very highly regarded and loved designer, she has been honoured by members of the fashion world, as well as notable public figures and celebrities, including Chelsea Clinton and Reese Witherspoon, on Twitter.
“Kate Spade had an enviable gift for understanding exactly what women the world over wanted to carry,” Anna Wintour, the editor in chief of Vogue and artistic director of Condé Nast, said in a statement.
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
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
Spade, 55, started Kate Spade New York in 1993 with her husband Andy Spade and opened her first shop in the city three years later. Kate Spade New York issued a statement confirming the “incredibly sad news” of their eponymous founder’s death. “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.”
