Messages of condolence are pouring in online following news of Kate Spade’s apparent suicide inside her New York apartment.
Law enforcement officials said housekeeping staff found the 55-year-old fashion designer and entrepreneur, best known for her namesake line of women’s handbags, clothing, jewelry and shoes, hanging on Tuesday morning.
A flurry of messages lamented the death of the iconic businesswoman. Many included links and phone numbers to mental health resources.
Here is a look at the reaction from fashion luminaries and other notable personalities on Twitter so far:
And if you struggle with mental illness, know you aren’t alone. There is power in asking for help. The more we talk about it, the more change we can see. Life is worth living and you are worth every second of it. ����
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale)
Kate Spade’s tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another’s pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help.
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump)
I am so sad about Kate Spade. I know to a lot of people bags are bags, but her purses have brought me so much joy (I call my typewriter bag a therapy bag because people like to pet it and smile).
— Alisha Rai (@AlishaRai)
I hope she knows how happy she made complete strangers. Much peace, Kate.
The CFDA is devastated to hear the news of our friend, colleague, and CFDA member Kate Spade’s tragic passing.
— steven kolb (@stevenkolb)
– Diane von Furstenberg and Steven Kolb
Beyond shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of She was such an intelligent, warm and wonderful force in fashion! Tragic that life had grown so dark for her.
— Jeanne Beker (@Jeanne_Beker)
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)
Ask any girl around my age about getting her first boxy Kate Spade bag and she’ll probably have a story to tell you. It was a magnificently simple cultural marker.
— Abby Gardner (@abbygardner)
My heart breaks hearing about Kate Spade taking her life.
— Heart Defensor (@HEARTDEFENSOR)
Please remember that you are enough and you are never alone. Depression does not discriminate and comes with no warnings.
Re: Kate Spade
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth)
Suicide and Depression are serious issues that shouldn't be taken lightly.
If your friends talk about it a lot or seem depressed, let them know you care or if you are having issues, please call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255
Kate Spade made some of my favourite pieces. Her use of colour was brilliant. Her books are wonderful. Her poor family. Thinking particularly of her young daughter. Absolutely heartbreaking.
— Caroline Hirons (@CarolineHirons)
Kate Spade taught me about how colorful life can be. She was an inspiration to so many, and she will be missed so greatly. We lost an iconic woman today, Rest in Peace, Kate Spade ❤️
— Jeannie Mai (@jeanniemai)
Nearly 45,000 people kill themselves every year. The highest demographic is middle-aged people.
— Bindas Ladki (@bindasladki)
Kate Spade is another reminder that we need everyone to know that there is help. I've been there myself; no one should feel like there's no hope.
Suicide hotline 24/7: 1-800-273-8255
With flies from The Associated Press
