AP/Bebeto Matthews
Kate Spade.
- Kate Spade was found dead on Tuesday.
- Many people took to social media to share their own stories about the impact that Spade's designs had on their lives.
- Kate Spade touched many lives over the years, with many women saying that the designer's bags and other products helped guide them into adulthood.
On Tuesday, fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead in her apartment in New York in an apparent suicide.
Spade was a hugely influential figure in the fashion industry. Her namesake business, Kate Spade New York, has more than 315 stores globally, including more than 140 in the US.
With the designer's death, people are sharing how Spade's designs touched their lives over the years. Known for her iconic bags and classic style, the Kate Spade is instantly recognizable and nostalgic for many.
"It seems trivial and silly but Kate Spade was a huge part of my coming of age, a preppy security blanket during my least secure time," one person captioned a high school photo on Instagram. "I even had a pencil case. I'm shocked to hear of her tragic passing today, she was clearly in unbearable pain."
"You don't know me but I know you," reads another caption, on a photo of a Kate Spade bag. "You brought a simplicity and peace to my life through clean lines and high contrast. Your happy polka dots and florals have always helped me find clarity among the chaos. It's what you stood for and it helped me find myself."
Chelsea Clinton tweeted: "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."
For many, Kate Spade brings back memories of years past.
Spade's designs were hugely influential for many.
People took the opportunity to thank the designer for the work she did.
Dozens of people who never met Spade paid tribute to the designer's impact on their lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, get help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations.
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) June 5, 2018RIP Kate Spade. I pressured my parents to save up and buy one of your bags in 8th grade because everyone had to have one -- The Sam Bag, but in slate grey. My goth JAP era wishes you peace. My current one knows you have it.
If you're going through something, call: 1-800-273-8255 pic.twitter.com/iWWb64MMpo
- the last glitter💫 (@thelastglitter) June 5, 2018This Kate Spade purse was one of the first "nice" things I ever owned and was a staple of all my bar/bat mitzvah outfits. A classic pic.twitter.com/wkNdwP5igu
- Emily Cohn (@emily_cohn) June 5, 2018I remember saving up for my first Kate Spade bag in my very early 20s and when I finally got it and removed it from the dust bag, I felt invincible and accomplished. Rest in peace.
- Vivian Lee (@vivianwmlee) June 5, 2018Kate Spade really defined what it meant to look and feel "Adult" for a certain group of women.
- (BΔK)endra James (@KendraJames_) June 5, 2018I was so thrilled when I got my first Kate Spade bag - the only line that really seemed to "get" the feeling of being quirky and polished and girly (and blissfully not "designer-y"/avant-garde) all at once. Is it strange to be so sad about a person I've never met?
- Amanda Prahl (@amanda_prahl) June 5, 2018I imagine many women like me feel a part of themselves has died today. Thank you, Kate Spade, for recognizing the power of our purse. https://t.co/yLmASmTp5v
- S. Mitra Kalita (@mitrakalita) June 5, 2018Thank you, Kate. Peace be with you.#katespade #MyFavoriteKate pic.twitter.com/V9Yuu6O7yV
- Blue Fish (@seeksdecember) June 5, 2018Dear Kate Spade. This writer thanks you for all of the beautiful bags you brought into this world. pic.twitter.com/ZTO86Sx0ao
- Jill Grunenwald (@Jill_Grun) June 5, 2018I saved my money & waited for a big sale to buy a #katespade bag. It is still one of my favorite purchases ever. She is gone WAY to soon. If you or someone you know needs help or assistance, call 1-800-273-8255. Tell someone. We got you! pic.twitter.com/n2xda4OXQH
- Emilie Lorditch (@EmilieLorditch) June 5, 2018Kate Spade gave weirdos, like me, a bag that made matched their quirky personality. pic.twitter.com/0NXVqxBGIk
- Baylee Raya (@rayadarling45) June 5, 2018Just hearing the Kate Spade news, and am broken-hearted. Her bags are a special thing my dad gets for me and my stepsister (and we have a Kate Spade shower curtain back home because I'm the New Yorker). Her products have always been so sentimental to me. Terribly sad.
- Jeva Lange (@Jee_vuh) June 5, 2018