Celebrities, fans and the fashion world pay tribute to designer Kate Spade
Touching tributes have poured in for fashion designer, Kate Spade, who sadly passed away yesterday in a suspected suicide.
Fashion insiders, celebrities and politicians have taken to social media to share fond memories of the “wonderful” designer.
Her namesake company – which was sold back in 2007 – was one of the first to lead the tributes, as the American label released a statement which read: “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. Kate will be dearly missed.”
A post shared by kate spade new york (@katespadeny) on Jun 5, 2018 at 11:00am PDT
Kate co-founded the fashion empire with her husband, Andy Spade, back in the 1990s before opening her first store in 1996.
Famed for her handbags, there are now 140 stores across the United States alone and more than 175 on an international scale.
The likes of Lena Dunham, Reese Witherspoon and Chelsea Clinton shared nostalgic memories of the late designer via Twitter and gave their condolences to her family.
Actress Lena Dunham wrote: “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.”
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.
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) June 5, 2018
While fellow actress, Reese Witherspoon, called the designer a “wonderful, talented woman” and sent her “heart and prayers” to Kate Spade and her family.
My heart and prayers go out to Kate Spade and her family. What a wonderful, talented woman who will be dearly missed.
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) June 5, 2018
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
#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 (@BetteMidler) June 5, 2018
Chelsea Clinton also took to Twitter to reflect on her fondest memory of Kate Spade, as she wrote: “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.”
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
Former ‘Sex and the City’ star, Kristin Davis, took to Twitter to write: “I’ve worn Kate Spade for as long as i can remember, I’m thinking of her family.”
I’ve worn Kate Spade for as long as i can remember, I’m thinking of her family . https://t.co/MFD2ygsMlf
— Kristin Davis (@KristinDavis) June 5, 2018
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.
— Beth Behrs (@BethBehrs) June 5, 2018
Meanwhile, fans of the brand shared their own personal memories of Kate Spade with candid stories on when they purchased their very first handbag.
Ask any girl around my age about getting her first boxy Kate Spade bag and she’ll probably have a story to tell you. It was a magnificently simple cultural marker.
— Abby Gardner (@abbygardner) June 5, 2018
Although Kate Spade sold her last shares of Kate Spade New York in 2006, the brand has stayed true to her spirit & the mantra #livecolorfully
I always felt wearing one of her pieces was like putting on some happy. As such, I pulled a few of my own to read the labels…RIP K.S. pic.twitter.com/VVipUGP2Tb
— Zelda Mae (@ZeldaMaeLA) June 5, 2018
I remember in senior year of high school I saved up for months to buy myself a kate spade wallet. I remember feeling so mature and sophisticated, like I was finally ready to take on the world.
— a n i k a (@capitalismwitch) June 5, 2018
My mom bought me my first Kate Spade bag on the day I accepted my first full time job. I’ve always associated Kate Spade with celebration.
RIP to a designer whose creations were nothing but whimsical & happy.
— Dana Melcher (@danamelcher) June 5, 2018
When I got my first Kate Spade purse for Christmas one year, I carried that blue purse everywhere I went b/c it made me like I was a sophisticated, chic, classy lady living my dream in New York City. Kate Spade empowered girls to dream & to find a little magic in everything
— Mia Sophia (@miasofiaa) June 5, 2018
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, you can call the Samaritans anonymously on 116123.
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