American Designer Kate Spade who has led a fashion revolution in the 1990s and transformed the accessories market along the way was found dead in her New York apartment. Her death was ruled as an apparent suicide.

Kate Spade Dies at 55

The former Mademoiselle editor, along with her then soon-to-be-husband, launched her eponymous label in 1993 and has swiftly evolved into one of the most vibrant designers of the 1990s. Although Kate Spade has not been affiliated with the brand for the last decade since she sold her stakes completely in 2006, the Kate Spade brand has expanded their collection into shoes, other accessories, and ready-to-wear – still boosting her original craft of whimsical glamour.

“Kate Spade had an enviable gift for understanding exactly what women over the world wanted to carry.” – Anna Wintour

According to Vogue editor-in-chief and Condé Nast artistic director Anna Wintour, Kate Spade’s influence in the fashion sphere was not a slight one, “Kate Spade had an enviable gift for understanding exactly what women over the world wanted to carry.” At a time where European history was strictly perceived as a status of wealth and prospect, Spade came into the picture and built and empire reflecting her character: colourful and unpretentious.

Vogue, 2004

Soon after, her famous line of quirky satchels and colourful totes flooded the scene of New York City, carried by a large number of consumers who resonated with her highly-saturated style. “Her background as an editor gave her a really unique perspective as a designer,” said retail advisor Robert Burke. “She was very attuned to the market, attuned to the customer.”

“(she was) a great talent who had an immeasurable impact on American fashion and the way the world viewed American accessories.”

On that account, the Council of Fashion Designers of America in a statement also called Spade “a great talent who had an immeasurable impact on American fashion and the way the world viewed American accessories.”

Spade’s vivacious spirit will be remembered by all who crossed her path or had the delight to carry one of her dainty bags. She is survived by the empire that she built for herself and her essence that is still imprinted on the namesake brand.