KATE SPADE, FASHION ICON

By now, most are aware of the untimely passing of Kate Brosnahan Spade, more notably known as the co-founder of Kate Spade New York, who died on June 5, 2018 at the age of 55 of an apparent suicide.

Since the shocking news broke, there has been an outpouring of admiration and respect for the designer throughout social media from her fans and other public figures such as Chelsea Clinton, Maria Shriver, Lena Dunham, and Mindy Kaling, to name a few. The designer’s tragic death has also placed the ongoing issue of mental health and suicide front and center.

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

Struck as always by the outpouring of love that greets people when they pass. I suspect Kate Spade had no clue how admired, loved and respected she was. — Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) June 6, 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

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

The passing of this iconic designer and entrepreneurial giant has sent shockwaves through many of us, most of whom have never known the designer personally. Kate Spade is a name which has become synonymous with colorful and whimsical designs. The brand is immediately recognizable and is a staple around the globe in department and homeware stores, even luxury airport shops.

Katy at my book signing. I love this pic of her. So pretty. I dont think everyone knew how fucking funny she was… Its a rough world out there people. Try to hang on pic.twitter.com/2kRPvGvj8w — David Spade (@DavidSpade) June 6, 2018

Many of her fans can remember clearly when they bought their first Kate Spade handbag or the special occasion where one was given to them. This tragedy is so deeply personal to so many of us because her designs and her name has been with us through many of the milestones in our own lives. One can’t help but to feel that it should not have ended this way and that there was so much more for us to see from this brilliant designer and entrepreneur.

Kate Spade built a billion-dollar brand from absolute scratch pic.twitter.com/8F6j9txe1a — NowThis (@nowthisnews) June 6, 2018

Kate Spade New York, which the designer co-founded with her husband Andy in 1993, was built from the ground up. While it struggled in its infancy, the company eventually gained a following and evolved into a global lifestyle brand. The Spades later sold their shares in 2006 but the company continued to thrive after a number of acquisitions. Following a decade long hiatus, Spade and her husband returned to the fashion industry in 2016 with the launch of their new brand, Frances Valentine, a collection of luxury shoes and handbags named after their daughter.

"She could make me laugh so hard": Comedian David Spade on sister-in-law Kate Spade. https://t.co/s9TfWHXw4M pic.twitter.com/sxqniNbM1D — ABC News (@ABC) June 6, 2018

Whether you were a fan or not, the impact Spade has had on the fashion and business industries and on the general public is undeniable. Spade was an artist, a visionary, and will be remembered for all of the moments the pieces bearing her name were interwoven into so many of our daily lives.