Remembering Kate

I cannot remember my first purchase from Kate Spade because there have been literally so many.

My current favorite is my Black leather Kate Spade planner. My iPad and iPhone both were adorned with Kate's whimsical electronics cases, one proudly proclaiming "Eat Cake for Breakfast."

Kate literally permeates my wardrobe and life. I have several note pads, a pencil case, leather pouches, two tops, even a cake pan, pairs of shoes of various heights, earrings, and one purple bag charm in the shape of an ostrich, all proudly bearing the name  in lower case letters. Last year, I gifted a mint green leather tote to my mother, to which she happily jumped up and down, and I with her.

Kate Spade meant a lot to us. There was a freedom, no frills, fun in her fashion.

Yesterday, Kate was found in her home. She was only 55 and appeared to be living the dream. It was a blow to anyone who knew her work and found themselves in it.

I have loved her bags, books, stationery and spirit since I first discovered her back in High school. Back then, it was the black boxy nylon tote all the ritzy girls would casually carry around.

I felt validated that you could be both quirky and stylish, funny and fashionable, edgy and elegant. And I know I wasn't the only one who felt this way. 

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

RIP Kate Spade. God damn.

— roxane gay (@rgay) June 5, 2018

I decided to wear head-to-toe Kate Spade to an event tonight to honor her contributions to fashion and women in business. I always admired that she was self-made and was so sad to hear the news of her passing. Rest easy, Kate..and thank you for making so many women feel wonderful pic.twitter.com/fuRCrv8Ozx

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) June 6, 2018

Depression does not discriminate and comes without warning. RIP Kate Spade. Love to her family.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

— josh groban (@joshgroban) June 5, 2018

I am heartbroken about the news of Kate Spade. I have worn her clothes many, many times. They were colorful, bold, cheerful, and encouraged women to find the twinkly person inside them. You couldn’t walk into her boutiques and not smile. Rest In Peace, Kate.

— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) June 5, 2018

#KateSpade is a reminder of how we smile publicly & struggle privately.

— I Am Groot 🦆 (@EarthWindFire82) June 6, 2018

For me #KateSpade always represented coming of age. I remember my first little black bag after graduating high school, and couldn’t wait to get my first “big girl” bag after college. She was more than a brand, and inspired women to be better and brighter versions of themselves 💜 pic.twitter.com/qa3uB3wCmF

— Leah Johnson (@leeaahj1) June 6, 2018

Put my Kate Spade wallet in my Kate Spade purse and threw it on my shoulder. Put my Kate Spade planner in my Kate Spade workbag and threw it on my other shoulder. And that’s when I realized she was more than a designer.

Kate Spade helped girls like me transition into adulthood.

— emily (@emilyscotchtape) June 5, 2018

And the tributes go on. Kate helped a generation of to-be fashionistas craft their own styles, and thus, our own confidences. She simultaneously spoke to the women we are and the women we wanted to be with whimsy, magic, humor, grace, and human effervescence.

Rest In Peace Kate. Thanks for teaching us all to live colorfully.