Fashion designer Kate Spade found dead in suspected suicide

Fashion and handbag designer Kate Spade has been found dead in her apartment in Manhattan.

The 55-year-old designer and co-founder of the Kate Spade New York label was reportedly discovered “unresponsive” by her housekeeper.

New York police told reporters that a suicide note had been found at the scene, but did not divulge its contents.

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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