On Wednesday, June 6, the day after Kate Spade’s death, the windows of the stores bearing her name were changed to show the message the brand had put out on Twitter in the wake of her passing.
The sign, as seen here at the Madison Avenue flagship store in New York City’s Upper East Side, reads, “Kate Spade the founder of our brand has passed. Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We honor all the beauty she brought into this world.”
It’s a touching way to honor the designer, who parted ways with the brand in 2007 after selling it to Liz Claiborne. Although she was no longer heading up the company, the playful spirit she infused into the label continues to live on — and that’s why it’s still a red carpet go-to for celebrities today. And, recently, Spade had been working on a comeback into the fashion world, starting a contemporary label, Frances Valentine, named her daughter.
Spade was found dead of suicide in her New York City apartment. She was 55.
Stars including Kathy Griffin, Savanah Gurtherie and Molly Ringwald wore pieces from her line in tribute in the 24 hours following her death. And fans have flooded social media since the news broke, sharing memories of buying and carrying her signature black handbag that become a major trend in the ‘90s. Chelsea Clinton joined in Tweeting, “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.”
Mindy Kaling also spoke up, writing, “I am heartbroken about the news of Kate Spade. I have worn her clothes many, many times. They were colorful, bold, cheerful and encouraged women to find the twinkly person inside them. You couldn’t walk into her boutiques and not smile. Rest In Peace, Kate.”
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
