New York Police Department sources have reported that on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., Kate Spade, 55, was found dead in her apartment from an apparent suicide hanging. The call reportedly came from Spade’s housekeeper while Spade’s husband (Andy Spade, brother of comedian David Spade), was in the house; the couple’s 13-year-old daughter was at school.
Officials say a note was left at the scene and an autopsy report will be performed.
Spade leaves behind a legacy of classically designed handbags, shoes, accessories and home goods that women, the world over, have lauded. Her signature fashion label (Kate Spade New York), was formed in 1993 with her husband and ultimately expanded into more than 100 U.S. retail locations, outlet stores and international shops; she stepped down from designing in 2007 after the company was acquired by the Neiman Marcus Group.
Her death comes just after the fashion industry celebrated it’s American achievements last night at the annual CFDA Awards. The Council of Fashion Designers of America released the following statement on Spade’s passing:
“The CFDA is devastated to hear the news of our friend, colleague, and CFDA member Kate Spade’s tragic passing. She was a great talent who had an immeasurable impact on American fashion and the way the world viewed American accessories. We want to honor her life and her major contribution to the fashion business and express our most sincere condolences to the family.”
The company website, katespade.com, issued this statement:
“Kate Spade, the visionary founder of our brand, has passed. Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We honor all the beauty she brought into this world.”
As we remember Spade’s accomplishments within the fashion industry, here’s a look at some fashionable women rocking a fab Kate Spade look.
Kate Spade design
Chanel Iman rocks a Kate Spade clutch
Kate Spade design
Kate Spade design
Halle Berry on-the-go with her Kate Spade tote
Kate Spade design
Jourdan Dunn appears in a Kate Spade campaign
Kate Spade design
Garielle Union rocks a sparkling Kate Spade clutch
Kate Spade design
Kate Spade design
Janelle Monae wears a daring Kate Spade dress
Kate Spade design
Issa Rae attends a Kate Spade event in New Orleans
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Kate Spade design
Jourdan Dunn attends a Kate Spade store opening in London
Kate Spade design
Naomie Harris attends a Kate Spade New York event
Kate Spade design
Zendaya shines in a Kate Spade dress