This morning, fashion designer Kate Spade was tragically found dead in her New York City apartment at the age of 55. According to law enforcement officials, she died in an apparent suicide.
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A shock to both the fashion industry and fans of the designer alike, news of Spade’s death inspired heartbroken fans to share their earliest memories of her designs on Twitter. As many put it, every girl remembers her first Kate Spade bag—and in the hours following the designer’s death, the internet proved just that with a flood of sentimental memories.
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From fashion industry insiders to teenage girls and even Chelsea Clinton, see all those sharing their own personal memories of how Kate Spade impacted their life below.
My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it. Holding Kate’s family, friends and loved ones in my heart.
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 5, 2018
I remember when I got my first Kate Spade bag in high school. It was my most prized possession. My current wallet ,covered in bees , makes me smile every time I see it- it’s by Kate Spade. My heart is just broken for her family and loved ones.
— Beth Behrs (@BethBehrs) June 5, 2018
everyone remembers their first kate spade. rip.
— Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) June 5, 2018
Kate Spade was one of those rare designers who held up from preadolescence to adulthood, probably by making me feel smart & confident in a way no other brands did. What a loss.
— Natalie Daher (@NatalieDaher7) June 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/abbygardner/status/1004195319695986688
My mom bought me my first Kate Spade bag on the day I accepted my first full time job. I've always associated Kate Spade with celebration.
RIP to a designer whose creations were nothing but whimsical & happy.
— Dana Melcher (@danamelcher) June 5, 2018
I remember in senior year of high school I saved up for months to buy myself a kate spade wallet. I remember feeling so mature and sophisticated, like I was finally ready to take on the world.
— don’t emo-splain me kid, B. Ed. (@capitalismwitch) June 5, 2018
just looking at kate spade items made me feel happier when i was at my worst. they felt like they were filled with joy, and always managed to bring colour into my world. i'm so so so sad, and i'm sending all my thoughts, love and condolences to her friends and family.
— nina zenik is canonically fat (@samuelle95) June 5, 2018
I took my first Kate Spade bags when I studied abroad in London and wore her dress and shoes at my college graduation. RIP to a true icon.
— Julia Manchester (@JuliaManch) June 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/AllisonPDavis/status/1004037916694319105
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Just hearing the Kate Spade news, and am broken-hearted. Her bags are a special thing my dad gets for me and my stepsister (and we have a Kate Spade shower curtain back home because I'm the New Yorker). Her products have always been so sentimental to me. Terribly sad.
— Jeva Lange (@Jee_vuh) June 5, 2018
I really am so sad about Kate Spade. Her designs have been symbols of confidence and independence for so many women. I bought the 25th Anniversary Sam purse last month as a 25th birthday present for myself. Rest In Peace, Kate ♠️ pic.twitter.com/mzYPeD3l6H
— Kara Driscoll (@KaraDDriscoll) June 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/iSmashFizzle/status/1004049033642610689
When I got my first Kate Spade purse for Christmas one year, I carried that blue purse everywhere I went b/c it made me like I was a sophisticated, chic, classy lady living my dream in New York City. Kate Spade empowered girls to dream & to find a little magic in everything💓
— Mia Emily🦋 (@mia___emily) June 5, 2018
This is so sad. I remember growing up in the 90s and looking at Kate Spade bags with my friends.
I always carry gold Kate Spade pens with me. May she rest in peace.
— Karen Attiah (@KarenAttiah) June 5, 2018
Ask a girl about her first Kate Spade bag and she'll have so many wonderful things to tell you. She was a female entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with; a real inspiration.
She was so loved & so are you. You aren't alone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
— Eisha Misra (@EishaMisra) June 5, 2018
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.
