‘Great talent who had immeasurable impact on fashion’
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US designer Spade found dead at 55
NEW YORK, June 6, (Agencies): Designer Kate Spade, one of the biggest names in American fashion known especially for her sleek handbags, was found dead Tuesday in her New York apartment. She was 55. A police spokeswoman said Spade had committed suicide, but told AFP the exact circumstances of her death were not yet clear. A source close to the investigation said she had left a note in her Park Avenue apartment. Spade’s relatives said in a statement that they were “devastated by today’s tragedy” and would “miss her terribly,” asking for privacy. She is survived by her husband and teenage daughter. Tributes to Spade poured in from celebrities, the fashion world and everyday women who admired her quintessentially American style, which had a sophisticated yet playful vibe.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America hailed Spade’s work. “She was a great talent who had an immeasurable impact on American fashion and the way the world viewed American accessories,” said a statement from CFDA board chairman Diane von Furstenberg and CEO Steven Kolb. Spade — a Missouri native who first worked as a journalist, including a stint as accessories editor at Mademoiselle magazine — launched her eponymous fashion label in 1993 with her husband Andy and the help of outside investors. Her cheerful use of bright colors and prints proved a hit with career women.
The brand, initially sold in several New York stores, opened its flagship in the city’s Soho neighborhood in 1996. Her designs represented the New York aesthetic — a mix of modern and classic. It was so associated with the city that she eventually added its name to her label, Kate Spade New York. Her most famous handbag was the “Sam” — a black mid-size rectangular bag. Generally, her handbags were stylish but not ostentatious. The “Sam” was relaunched this year by the label in new prints and colors. Beyond the label’s signature handbags, Spade was also known for shoes.
It later branched into ready-to-wear, after she had left the company. In 1999, Spade ceded a majority stake in her company to high-end department store chain Neiman Marcus for $34 million. NM then sold the label to textiles giant Liz Claiborne. Spade sold the last of her shares in the company in the mid-2000s for another $59 million, and was no longer directly associated with the management of the company bearing her name. In 2017, Coach (now Tapestry) bought the Kate Spade label, the last remnant of Liz Claiborne, in a deal worth $2.4 billion.
Over the years, the label had blossomed into a full lifestyle brand with more than 300 stores worldwide and sales of $1.38 billion in 2016. The company offered its condolences, calling Spade a “visionary,” and saying: “We honor all the beauty she brought into this world.” Over the past few years, Spade — born Katherine Brosnahan — had launched a new accessories label, Frances Valentine.
Condolences
Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton was among the many offering condolences to Spade’s family on Twitter. “My grandmother gave me my fi rst Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it. Holding Kate’s family, friends and loved ones in my heart,” Clinton said. Actress Lena Dunham said: “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.” Several admirers like First Daughter Ivanka Trump highlighted the importance of suicide helplines and seeing the signs of depression. “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,” Trump tweeted. Robert Dicker, a psychiatrist and associate director at the Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York, told AFP that celebrity suicides were often followed by an uptick in attempts.
“We want to be sure that people understand that there is help that is available,” Dicker said. “Fuzzy picture but i love it. Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day. She was so sharp and quick on her feet. She could make me laugh so hard. I still cant believe it. Its a rough world out there people, try to hang on.” — Brother- in-law and comedian David Spade, via Instagram. “#KateSpade, whose lively, colorful, and yes, joyous designs has died. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends, and her many fans around the world, who loved the wonderful illusions she created. I am stunned.” — Bette Midler, via Twitter. “I remember when I got my first Kate Spade bag in high school. It was my most prized possession. My current wallet, covered in bees, makes me smile every time I see it- it’s by Kate Spade. My heart is just broken for her family and loved ones.” — Actress Beth Behrs, via Twitter.
“I will never forget the first Kate Spade bag I got for Christmas in college. She was a trailblazer. Her life and death are a reminder that pain doesn’t discriminate. Sending love to her family.” — Jenna Bush Hager, via Twitter. “I am heartbroken about the news of Kate Spade. I have worn her clothes many, many times. They were colorful, bold, cheerful, and encouraged women to find the twinkly person inside them. You couldn’t walk into her boutiques and not smile. Rest In Peace, Kate.” — Mindy Kaling, via Twitter.
“It is devastating news to hear of Kate Spade’s passing. Neiman Marcus has been a longtime fan and early promoter of Kate Spade. We enjoyed a close relationship with both her and her husband Andy. We send our deepest sympathies to the family and the entire fashion community who are experiencing this loss. Her creative light and bright mind will be greatly missed.” — Neva Hall, executive vice president for Neiman Marcus Stores, in a statement. “The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers our condolences to her family, friends, and everyone touched by Spade and her creative work.” — American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in a statement.
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