NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 10: Fashion designer Kate Spade arrives at the 2003 Glamour “Women of the Year” Awards at the American Museum of Natural History November 10, 2003 in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Peyton/Getty Images)
Very sad news out of New York City today. Fashion designer Kate Spade, creator of eponymous line of spunky fashions, handbags and housewares, has died at 55.
According to Variety, Spade was “found in New York City at her Park Avenue apartment at around 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday.”
The cause is death by suicide.
“Spade, born Katherine Brosnahan, grew up in Kansas City, Mo. Spade got her start working in the accessories department of Mademoiselle magazine in Manhattan. While working there, she moved in with her husband-to-be, Andy Spade (brother of David Spade). She left the magazine in 1991, and went on to create her own handbag line,” Variety reported.
“Her New York-based company, which she co-founded with her husband in 1994, initially sold handbags, but the designer brand eventually extended to clothing, jewelry, shoes, stationary, eyewear, and bedding, among other items. In 1996, the Kate Spade brand opened its first boutique in SoHo before moving its headquarters to West 25th Street. Kate Spade New York currently has over 140 retail shops and outlets across the country and more than 175 stores internationally.”
Spade’s brother-in-law is actor and comedian David Spade and her niece is Rachel Brosnahan, star of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
Spade leaves her husband and a daughter.
Also, this is important to remember:
If you are struggling or know someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.