Kate Spade Dead at 55: Designers and Stars React to the Tragic News

Celebrated designer was found in her Manhattan apartment after an apparent suicide

By Samantha Schnurr Jun 05, 2018 5:20 PMTags

Members from every corner of the Hollywood and fashion communities are mourning the untimely death of beloved, renowned designer Kate Spade today. 

The celebrated fashion mogul was found dead of an apparent suicide in her Manhattan apartment on Tuesday. According to a law enforcement source, the 55-year-old was found dead by her housekeeper and apparently hung herself in her bedroom. A note was found at the scene. The New York Police Department has also confirmed that Spade was discovered unconscious and unresponsive. EMS pronounced her deceased at 10:26 a.m. Tuesday.

In the wake of Spade's tragic passing, fans have taken to social media to express their condolences and praise Spade for the impact she and her designs had on their lives. 

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Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton reminisced about a Kate Spade bag she had been gifted when she was a college student. "My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it," Clinton tweeted.

"Holding Kate's family, friends and loved ones in my heart."

Fellow designer Kenneth Cole payed homage to Spade by referencing one of the oft-used quotes on the brand's accessories. 

"'I believed that I could, so I did.' She alone didn't change the handbag world but she was an inspiring accessory," Cole wrote. However, he later deleted the tweet an issued a new one, writing, "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."

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, which honored Spade twice in the '90s, expressed its condolences via a statement issued by president Diane von Furstenberg and CEO Steven Kolb.

"The CFDA is devastated to hear the news of our friend, colleague, and CFDA member Kate Spade's tragic passing," a tweet read.

Other colleagues like designer Cynthia Rowley and Kat Dennings, who appeared in advertisements for the brand, also paid their respects online. 

Real Housewives of New York City star Bethenny Frankel reacted to the sad news and simultaneously tweeted about the pain and helplessness people facing depression can feel. 

Model Tess Holliday also addressed suicide in her tribute, writing suicide isn't "the easy way out" and asking that it not be mocked. "Kate Spade & her brand have always been so kind to me the past couple years & I'm crushed to hear about her passing," Holliday penned. 

Our thoughts go out to Spade's loved ones during this difficult time. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.