When it comes to fashionable bags, Kate Spade New York is one of the most popular brand not just within the United States but to the entire world. Unfortunately, a devastating news broke out in the fashion industry when it was reported that she died a few days ago. In memory of her, the company as well as her family decided to donate a million dollars to help those who are having mental health issues.
Fashion designer Kate Spade was founded at her apartment last week
Kate Spade Passed Away at 55
The renowned fashion designer decided to end her life. She was found last week at her apartment in Park Avenue New York and the NYPD confirmed it. Spade was only 55 and according to officials that have a statement to the Associated Press last week, it was the housekeeping staff in the apartment that found Spade who committed suicide that morning.
Her husband Andy Spade, who helped her build the empire in 1993, admitted that he was indeed suffering from anxiety and depression for years now and had been seeking treatment but it was obviously too much for her that it has actually overtaken her. Her husband even mentioned how this mental health issue has already taken too many lives.
The official Twitter account of the company released an official statement confirming that the visionary founder of their brand has died and that the company is with the Spade family in this time of grieving.
Her fashion label is known for having such sophisticated styles with bold colors, which definitely stood out amongst all the other brands. Their first store opened in 1996, and since there, there are more than 140 Kate Spade New York retail outlets all over the country and almost 200 all over the world.
— kate spade new york (@katespadeny) June 5, 2018
Because of the success of her fashion label, the late designer was actually honored not just ones, but twice by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Her label was dubbed as “America’s new fashion talent in accessories” in the years 1996 and also in 1998. The Council of Fashion Designers of America also posted a tweet regarding her sudden death by saying that they are indeed incredibly devastated to hear the news of her passing, she was indeed one of the greatest and she has contributed so much in the world of American fashion especially when it comes to accessories.
Her handbags are truly remarkable and over the years, it continues to strive to the top and letting women feel and look completely comfortable, but at the same time fashionable with it.
“The CFDA is devastated to hear the news of our friend, colleague, and CFDA member Kate Spades’s tragic passing. She was a great talent who had an immeasurable impact on American fashion and the way the world viewed American accessories.
We want to honor her life and her ma… pic.twitter.com/5l8uyDsNsG
— CFDA (@CFDA) June 5, 2018
$1 Million For Mental Health
Because of the sudden death of such an icon in the fashion industry, the National Prevention Hotline which is 800-273-825 was promoted numerous times by her supporters. This is also the reasons why the Kate Spade New York Foundation has decided to pledge $1 million to help suicide prevention groups all over the country. $250,000 was already pledged to Crisis Text Line, who are basically providing free support any time of the day.
According to the current CEO of the company, Anna Bakst, Spade was indeed a true icon in the world of fashion and she has managed to bring joy thru her fashionable purses all over the world through the years, and so it is their duty to carry on her legacy by being an inspiration to the people. The Crisis Text Line has also received $20,000 worth of donations after the announcement.
The foundation said that they have looked for so many organizations to do this work with, but the Crisis Text Line just stood out amongst all of them. They have yet to reveal which other organizations will have the privilege to be given a portion of the million dollar pledge. However, her family is also getting involved with the charitable work in honor of her. Just like what her brother in law David Spade did, who donated $100,000 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and he even encouraged the people to hang on while they still can.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rates went higher in between the years 1999 to 2016 and most of them actually don’t have any known mental condition prior to their sudden deaths. Experts believe that these people are not diagnosed because not everyone is aware that they are already suffering, not everyone is also open to it. Which is why it is very important for each and every one of us to care enough for one another. These rates will just continue to go higher if we don’t do something about it.