Tributes to designer Kate Spade flood social media

Yesterday evening, the news broke that fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead in her New York apartment, aged 55, by an apparent suicide.

Best known for her playful and colourful handbag and purse designs, Kate Spade first began her line in the 1990s with her husband, selling it in 2007 to explore other ventures and spend more time with family.

Her death came as a shock to fans and fashion followers everywhere, and many took to Twitter to pay tribute to the designer. Kate Spade products were ‘entry’ items into the world of designer fashion for many young girls, and this was an obvious theme in the messages from the thousands of saddened fans who paid their respects.

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

https://twitter.com/damronkatie/status/1004226968911601665

Kate Spade, through her clothing, handbags, accessories, and general personality, inspired me to be both classic and quirky, both mature and full of youthful spirit, and both professional and bold. The fashion industry and young women everywhere have lost an influential icon. pic.twitter.com/G6OTM2MItj

— shayna (@shaynacohen13) June 6, 2018

when i bought my kate spade bag, i felt like a grown, sophisticated women. tomorrow, i start my first 'grown up' job, and i'll be bringing her with me.

mental illness can affect anyone. please reach out if you are feeling helpless. you deserve to be heard.

— ky (@kyleelikescats) June 6, 2018

https://twitter.com/gabrielleisback/status/1004198423002861568

So many women across America thinking about what Kate Spade meant to them. For many it was the first designer piece they ever owned & her handbags were full of joy, color with a cool quirkiness. https://t.co/2YX8bIPoVS

— Samantha Barry (@samanthabarry) June 5, 2018

I carry a Kate Spade everyday, and it’s functional and beautiful. I’m not any kind of fashionista, but I admired her for her taste and ability. If you have the opportunity, don’t let anyone feel alone enough with their problems to take their own life. https://t.co/60cq3t6JWy

— Alyson Smith (@alysonlaurel) June 5, 2018

I was never a designer girl. But then I discovered Kate Spade and learned quirky could also be classy. You didn’t merely design handbags, you crafted confidence for women of our generation—showing us weird and bold was also beautiful. My heart goes out to you and your family. https://t.co/YO7ZJ7Y6t8

— Anna Cunningham (@AnnaRC_Brookes) June 5, 2018

https://twitter.com/MsLeaSalonga/status/1004127822682652672

Featured image via Pinterest