Iconic fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead in her New York apartment at the age of 55 following an apparent suicide on Tuesday.
The businesswoman, wife and mother has been a staple in the fashion world since she launched her brand with husband, Andy Spade in 1993.
It was then that Kate, a former accessories editor at Mademoiselle, set out to design the perfect handbag. By 1996, her first shop opened in New York City and the fashion community fell in love with her modern, feminine, and sophisticated aesthetic that made her pieces instantly recognisable.
Following her sudden death, that same fashion community has taken to Twitter to send tributes to the designer.
Kathy Griffing
I decided to wear head-to-toe Kate Spade to an event tonight to honor her contributions to fashion and women in business. I always admired that she was self-made and was so sad to hear the news of her passing. Rest easy, Kate..and thank you for making so many women feel wonderful pic.twitter.com/fuRCrv8Ozx
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) June 6, 2018
Jennifer O'Connell
For a young woman in the 1990s, your first Kate Spade, even a knock off, was a gorgeous, vibrant passport to adulthood. I got one like this on my first trip to NYC, used it constantly, until some fecker stole it. Two years ago I bought my niece her 1st Kate Spade for her 18th pic.twitter.com/yx6E4HX0ZA
— Jennifer O'Connell (@jenoconnell) June 5, 2018
Mindy Kaling
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 (@mindykaling) June 5, 2018
Nicolette Mason
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
Kate Spade New York
— kate spade new york (@katespadeny) June 5, 2018
Bloomingdales
💔 @katespadeny pic.twitter.com/PNjmI989Rr
— Bloomingdale's (@Bloomingdales) June 5, 2018
Kenneth Cole
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
The Council of Fashion Designers
"The CFDA is devastated to hear the news of our friend, colleague, and CFDA member Kate Spades’s tragic passing. She was a great talent who had an immeasurable impact on American fashion and the way the world viewed American accessories.
— CFDA (@CFDA) June 5, 2018
We want to honor her life and her ma… pic.twitter.com/5l8uyDsNsG
Liz Lange
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
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