Remembering Kate Spade

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Samantha Lengquist

A college girl trying to make it in the fashion world.

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It is with a heavy heart that the fashion industry loses another iconic designer and businesswoman. On June 5, 2018, Kate Spade was found dead in her New York City apartment due to an alleged suicide. Kate leaves behind her husband, Andy Spade, and her 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrice Spade. Although Kate sold the company almost a decade ago, it still holds true to her core values, giving women fashionable and functional bags for every day. In addition, Spade also created a line of fashionable accessories. Kate Spade’s legacy will live on forever and hopefully stay true to the fashion mogul’s vision.

Her Brand

Kate Spade New York was founded in 1993 by Kate Spade and her husband. It began with only six styles of handbags intended for the everyday working woman. The unique styles ensured that the choice between practical and fashionable would never have to happen again.

The brand quickly took off cornering the handbag market with vibrant colors and classics styles combined with practicality. The brand appealed to the everyday woman who had everyday women money. Quality for an affordable price was something the brand has thankfully stuck with throughout the years.

The Company

The company, however, was sold to Niemen Marcus group in 2007 and changed ownership a few more times until now being taken over by Tapestry, Inc. Tapestry also owns the brand names Coach and Stewart Weitzman. Kate Spade also launched Frances Valentine, another handbag brand in 2015. The company name stems from a combination of family member names.

History of Depression

A statement released by Kate Spade’s husband states the designer suffered from anxiety and depression and had been seeking treatment for it. There was no history of alcohol or substance abuse. According to Andy Spade, there also were no business issues and they were raising their daughter together even though they were separated.

Anxiety and depression are more common in women and should be taken seriously in order to prevent suicide.

Get Help

Suicide prevention can be as simple as noticing a change in a loved one’s patterns. If changes are noticed it is important to have a direct conversation that should be caring and loving not harsh or judgmental.

If you or a loved one is feeling suicidal or has had thoughts of suicide contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-8255.