Saying Goodbye to Kate Spade

Reports came in on Tuesday that Kate Spade had died. Even worse is that she took her own life. When I saw the news on Twitter I was shocked. It’s so heartbreaking when anyone takes their own life but someone who is the fashion industry, who inspires me is even more upsetting.

Kate Spade, if you didn’t know, was an American fashion designer. She is well known for her accessories, in particular the Kate Spade handbags. The bags are popular due to their sophistication and affordability. ‘They have been described as a symbol of 90’s New York City’.

Kate’s family have since said that her death did not come as a surprise. They believe that she was suffering from anxiety and depression as well as having bipolar disorder. This was made worse by the fame she gained in her 30’s. Kate didn’t get mental health help as she was worried that the stigma of mental health would harm her brand in the fashion world. Tributes have come from people such as Anna Wintour who said “Kate Spade had an enviable gift for understanding exactly what women the world over wanted to carry”.

Ivanka Trump took this an opportunity to address mental health. She commented on Kate’s death by saying that it is a ‘painful reminder that we never truly know another pain or the burden they carry’. I now encourage you to reach out to your family and friends and help anyone who may be suffering.

I would hate for her suicide to damage her label as that is the reason she didn’t get help in the first place. I believe her legacy should still go on and that we should continue to love the brand for the reason we have always loved it.

Hollie Rose x