Shocking news from the world of fashion today, as several media outlets have now confirmed that iconic designer Kate Spade has been found dead at the age of 55.
According to a police report obtained by TMZ, Spade hanged herself in her Park Avenue home.
Her body was reportedly discovered this morning by a housekeeper.
Law enforcement sources say Spade was pronounced dead on the scene.
They also confirm that she left a note, but no information about the content has been released to the public.
With the help of her husband Andy — who is the brother of comedian David Spade — Kate launched Kate Spade Handbags in 1993.
The brand was an immediate success, and Kate eventually branched out into clothing and jewelry design.
In 2007, Spade sold her company to Coach in a $ 2.4 billion deal.
After taking some time off to focus on raising her child, Kate returned to the fashion world last year with a new line called Frances Valentine.
The brand was named after her 13-year-old daughter.
Born Katherine Brosnahan in Kansas City in 1962, Kate began designing while still a student at the University of Arizona.
It was there that she met her husband while working in a clothing store.
Together, they decided to launch a business and eventually grew Kate’s eponymous company into one of the most recognized fashion brands in the world.
At its peak, Kate Spade New York had more than 140 retail shops in the US and 175 more internationally.
In addition to being sister-in-law to David, Kate was aunt to actress Rachel Brosnahan, star of Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Fans of the handbag maven are baffled, as with her wildly successful business empire and loving, close-knit family, from the outside, Kate appeared to be the woman who had it all.
There’s been no word yet from Kate’s inner circle, but friends and neighbors say the family showed no signs of turmoil.
Our thoughts go out to Kate’s loved ones during this tremendously difficult time.
We’ll have further updates on this tragic story as more information becomes available.
