The fashion world was shocked by the tragic death of Kate Spade, the iconic designer known for her colorful and quirky handbags, in 2018. She was found dead in her Manhattan apartment, having taken her own life at the age of 55. Her death sparked a wave of tributes and condolences from celebrities, fans, and fellow designers.
One of the questions that many people had was how she was related to David Spade, the comedian and actor who rose to fame on Saturday Night Live and starred in movies like Tommy Boy and Joe Dirt. Was he her brother, cousin, or just a namesake?
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The answer: Kate Spade was David Spade’s sister-in-law
The answer is that Kate Spade was David Spade’s sister-in-law. She was married to David’s older brother, Andy Spade, who was also her business partner and co-founder of their eponymous brand. The couple met when they were both students at Arizona State University in the 1980s. They started dating after working together at a clothing store. They got married in 1994 and had a daughter named Frances Beatrix in 2005.
David Spade was very close to his sister-in-law and often praised her talent and humor. He posted a heartfelt message on Twitter after her death, saying: “Katy at my book signing. I love this pic of her. So pretty. I don’t think everyone knew how fucking funny she was… It’s a rough world out there people. Try to hang on”.
He also shared a picture of them together on Instagram, writing: “Fuzzy picture but I love it. Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day. She was so sharp and quick on her feet. She could make me laugh so hard”.
How Kate and Andy Spade built a fashion empire
Kate Spade was born as Katherine Noel Brosnahan in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1962. She had a passion for fashion since she was a young girl and dreamed of becoming a journalist or an editor. She moved to New York City in 1986 and landed a job at Mademoiselle magazine as an accessories editor.
She noticed that there was a gap in the market for stylish yet practical handbags for women. She decided to create her own line of bags with her husband Andy, who had a background in advertising. They launched their brand, Kate Spade New York, in 1993 with six simple silhouettes made of nylon.
The bags were an instant hit and soon became a must-have accessory for celebrities and fashionistas alike. They expanded their product range to include clothing, shoes, jewelry, eyewear, stationery, home decor, and more. They also opened stores across the US and internationally.
Kate Spade New York grew into a global phenomenon with over 140 retail shops and outlets worldwide and more than 175 stores internationally. The brand was known for its playful and whimsical style, featuring bright colors, patterns, and slogans.
Kate and Andy sold their shares of the company to Neiman Marcus Group in 2006 for $59 million. They wanted to focus on raising their daughter and pursuing other creative projects. They launched a new brand called Frances Valentine in 2016, named after their daughter’s first and middle names.
The struggles that Kate Spade faced before her death
Despite her success and fame, Kate Spade struggled with mental health issues for years. She suffered from depression and anxiety and reportedly refused to seek professional help because she feared it would damage her image .
She also faced marital problems with Andy, who had moved out of their apartment and asked for a divorce . However, Kate did not want to end their marriage and hoped for reconciliation.
On June 5, 2018, Kate Spade was found dead by her housekeeper in her bedroom. She had hanged herself with a scarf tied to a doorknob. She left behind a note addressed to her daughter, telling her that she loved her and that it was not her fault .
Her death was ruled as a suicide by the medical examiner . Her family and friends were devastated by the loss of such a talented and beloved person.
The legacy that Kate Spade left behind
Kate Spade’s death sparked a conversation about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Many people shared their stories of how her designs inspired them or brought joy to their lives. Her fans also donated thousands of dollars to mental health organizations in her honor .
Her brand continues to thrive under the ownership of Tapestry Inc., which bought it from Liz Claiborne Inc. in 2017 for $2.4 billion . The company has pledged to donate $1 million to mental health causes in memory of Kate Spade .
Kate Spade’s legacy lives on through her daughter, who is now 16 years old and has inherited her mother’s creative spirit. She also has a close relationship with her uncle David, who has been a supportive figure in her life.
Kate Spade will always be remembered as one of the most influential and innovative designers of her generation. She changed the world of fashion with her vision and personality. She made millions of women feel confident and happy with her creations. She was a true icon and a legend.
