Since the news of iconic American fashion designer Kate Spade's death at the age of 55 from apparent suicide, tributes to the designer have flooded social media.

Spade has been a recognisable name in the high-fashion world since 1993 when she launched her debut line Kate Spade handbags alongside her then husband-to-be, Andy Spade.

From there, Spade, who was born Katherine Noel Brosnahan, expanded her global brand Kate Spade New York to include jewellery, shoes, clothing, eyewear, fragrances, and other home goods.

On Twitter, members of the fashion world as well as notable public figures and celebrities, including Chelsea Clinton, have shared their memories of Kate Spade - and the presence she’d had in their lives.

“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,” Clinton wrote.

Kate Spade New York tweeted in memory of their founder: "Kate Spade, the visionary founder of our brand, has passed. Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We honour all the beauty she brought into this world."

Kate’s former publicist Rob Shuter wrote: “Iconic fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead Tuesday morning in her NYC apartment! I was Kate’s publicist and I’m devastated.

“Kate Spade was decent, she was fair and above all she insisted everyone around her be kind! Rest in Peace! #katespade.”

In a touching tribute to the late designer, fans are sharing photos of their Kate Spade handbags on social media.

The designer’s death has also opened up a conversation surrounding the importance of mental health awareness.

Trenni Kusnierek wrote on Twitter: “Mental health issues do not discriminate. By all accounts, Kate Spade ‘had it all’ - money, success, fame. None of these things matter when you are sick. Kate was not selfish. Kate was not weak. Kate was sick. #mentalhealthmatters.”

Julie DiCaro tweeted a link to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline alongside: “The terrible news about Kate Spade is a reminder that a lot of people are struggling, no matter how perfect their life may look to others. You are not alone.”