Fashion Icon, Kate Spade, Passes Away in Her NYC Apartment

Kate Spade, fashion designer and entrepreneur, was found hanged in her New York City apartment Tuesday mid-morning. According to law enforcement officials, it was an apparent suicide. Housekeeping staff found the 55 year old‘s body, hanged by a scarf she allegedly had tied to a doorknob.” Her husband and business parter, Andy Spade, was also in the house at the time. It was not clear how long Spade had been deceased when she was found. A medical examiner will perform an autopsy to clarify the exact moment of her death.

Spades’ daughter, Frances Spade (13), was left, “a note [that] was found at the scene telling the girl it was not her fault.” Her daughter was at school during the time Spade’s body was discovered.

Katherine Noel Brosnahan was born on December 24, 1962 in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from an all-girls Catholic High School, St. Teresa’s Academy, in 1980, and from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Journalism in 1985.

Spade married her husband, Andy Spade (brother of actor/comedian David Spade) in 1994. The couple had a daughter, Frances Beatrix Spade, in February 2005.

In 1993, Kate Bresnahan Spade, was determined to create the perfect handbag. Her history as an accessories editor at Mademoiselle, was not enough for the entrepreneur-want-to-be. As a result, Spade created six silhouettes – a combination of a variety of shapes, colors and style to create Kate Spade New York.

Spade opened her first store three years later in 1996 after her fresh and young style became a sensation amongst women.

In 2007, “Spade turned the reins to design powerhouse Kate Spade & Company (formerly known as Liz Claiborne, Inc.).” Deborah Lloyd took over as president and chief creative officer while Spade stepped down.

Today, Kate Spade & Company is a global phenomenon among women and men. The company stated that it, “aim[s] to inspire colorful living through our handbags and clothing to jewelry, shoes, stationery, eyewear, baby, fragrance, tabletop, bedding and gifts.”