Fashion designer Kate Spade found dead in suspected suicide

Missouri-born businesswoman built an
international fashion empire of 175 stores

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“We are all devastated by today’s tragedy,” Spade’s family said
in a statement. “We loved Kate dearly and will miss her terribly.
We would ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this
very difficult time.”

Spade rose to prominence in the fashion world after founding
Kate Spade New York with her husband, Andy Spade, in 1993.

The pair opened their first shop in New York three years later,
going on to build a retail empire of 140 shops in the US and more
than 175 shops internationally.

But Spade “walked away from her company in 2007, a year after it
was acquired from the Neiman Marcus Group for $125m”,
the Associated Press reports.

Diane von Furstenberg and Steven Kolb, from the Council of
Fashion Designers of America, said: “She was a great talent who had
an immeasurable impact on American fashion and the way the world
viewed American accessories.”

The Samaritans offer support to people having suicidal
thoughts. You can call them free on 116 123