Following the news that 55-year-old fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead Tuesday of an apparent suicide, celebrities and fans of the brand took to social media to mourn the designer.
Kate Spade New York, which was bought by Coach for $2.4 billion in May 2017 , also released a statement on the creator’s death to CNBC.
“We at Kate Spade New York just learned of the incredibly sad news that Kate Spade has passed. 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. Our thoughts are with Andy and the entire Spade family at this time,” the statement read.
— kate spade new york (@katespadeny) June 5, 2018
The brand also commented on social media, “Kate Spade, the visionary founder of our brand, has passed. Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We honor the beauty she brought into this world.”
Others, including Chelsea Clinton and designer Liz Lange, also took to social media to share what Kate Spade and her fashion label meant to them, while some also took the opportunity to raise awareness about depression:
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
https://twitter.com/mindykaling/status/1004073039649280000
Tears just knowing #KateSpade took her life alone & in pain! So many hide & suffer alone. I get it-#Mentalillness can suck & be very painful. We must end stigma & help each other get proper #MentalHealth treatment. My sympathies to her family. #SuicidePrevention: 1-800-273-8255 https://t.co/ZsZQYstrva
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) 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.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) June 5, 2018
My heart and prayers go out to Kate Spade and her family. What a wonderful, talented woman who will be dearly missed.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) June 5, 2018
Depression does not discriminate and comes without warning. RIP Kate Spade. Love to her family.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
— josh groban (@joshgroban) June 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/OfficialKat/status/1004079491272994816
Be kind. Reach out. Be understanding. #depression#anxiety#fear#katespadepic.twitter.com/Mg8lWPH9RR
— Jann “stop live horse export” Arden (@jannarden) June 5, 2018
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
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
https://twitter.com/stevenkolb/status/1004043111151095809
https://twitter.com/rgay/status/1004046650233548805
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
Kate Spade’s tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another’s pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help. Https://t.co/eruSexNoGj
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) June 5, 2018