Fashion designer Kate Spade has died at the age of 55. She was found dead in her Manhattan apartment after an apparent suicide, according to law enforcement officials who spoke with the Associated Press.
The style icon’s body was found hanging by her housekeeper at around 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday at her Park Avenue residence, according to the AP.
Officials told the AP she left a note at the scene, but said they were not authorized to share its details.
Spade’s husband was at the scene, according to The New York Times. Police did not immediately know the location her 13-year-old daughter.
The Kansas City, Missouri-born designer co-founded Kate Spade Handbags in the early ’90s, later expanding the handbag enterprise to include clothing, shoes and other fashion accessories. Her Hollywood ties include comedian David Spade — she married his brother, Andy, in 1994 — and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” star Rachel Brosnahan, who is her niece.
Her brand, Kate Spade New York, touts more than 140 retail shops and outlet stores across the U.S. and more than 175 shops internationally.
Last year, the designer’s name brand fashion empire Kate Spade & Co. sold to Coach Inc., now named Tapestry.