Celebrities react to Kate Spade’s death

Celebrities like Mindy Kaling, Lena Dunham and Olivia Munn are among those who have paid tribute to designer Kate Spade, who died Tuesday. She was 55.

Spade is best known for founding her eponymous fashion brand, recognized for its handbags and use of bright, vivid colors and patterns.

Spade was found dead Tuesday morning in her New York City apartment from apparent suicide.

My very first designer purse was a black, shoulder strap Kate Spade. I treasured it and was obsessed with keeping the little white Kate Spade label clean. It’s funny how a purse can instantly make you feel like an adult. Rest in love. ❤️❤️❤️⛅️

— Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) June 5, 2018

“I am heartbroken about the news of Kate Spade. I have worn her clothes many, many times,” Mindy Kaling wrote. “They were colorful, bold, cheerful, and encouraged women to find the twinkly person inside them.”

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

Bryce Dallas Howard, who served as a brand ambassador for Kate Spade in 2011, described how she was inspired by Spade.

“She made fashion fun and empowering and full of personality,” Howard wrote in part. “My love is with her family and friends at this very sad time.”

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What a devastating morning to hear that one of our most beloved American designers has passed. Seven years ago, I was asked to be the first celebrity ‘face’ of their brand. I still look back on that experience as a dream coming true. It may surprise some of you to know that I never actually met Kate Spade, but for as long as I can remember her fashion has influenced and inspired me. From quirky prints to ladylike cuts and everything in between, she designed with playful sophistication for every woman and girl. She made fashion fun and empowering and full of personality. What some of you may not know is that Kate Spade and her company (@katespadeny) were also dedicated to giving back, especially to women. The Kate Spade & Company Foundation provides approximately 1.2 million a year to nonprofit organizations who help provide women with access to tools and training to achieve economic independence. I hope that both her and her company’s work to bring fashion and women’s economic success to everyone continues as her legacy unfolds. My love is with her family and friends at this very sad time. If you or someone you know is feeling distressed, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 800-273-TALK (8255) or follow the link in my bio.

A post shared by Bryce Dallas Howard (@brycedhoward) on Jun 5, 2018 at 1:10pm PDT

“Kate Spade was more than a designer. She had a quirky visual language that captivated Bat Mitzvah girls and artists alike,” Lena Dunham added in a tweet. “She was also a staple of NYC who spread good will. My heart breaks for her family. Thank you, Kate, from one of the millions you made feel beautiful.”

Kate Spade was more than a designer. She had a quirky visual language that captivated Bat Mitzvah girls and artists alike. She was also a staple of NYC who spread good will. My heart breaks for her family. Thank you, Kate, from one of the millions you made feel beautiful.

— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) June 5, 2018

Some of those paying tribute to Spade recalled their first experience with the brand, once perceived to be a status-symbol.

“My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college,” wrote Chelsea Clinton on social media. “I still have it. Holding Kate’s family, friends and loved ones in my heart.”

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

Bette Midler also shared her condolences via Twitter.

#KateSpade, whose lively, colorful, and yes, joyous designs has died. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends, and her many fans around the world, who loved the wonderful illusions she created. I am stunned.

— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) June 5, 2018

Rosie O’Donnell also sent well-wishes to actor David Spade, who is Kate Spade’s brother-in-law.

She married David Spade’s brother, Andy, in 1994.

“All my love to u dave,” O’Donnell said on Twitter.

Kate Spade’s niece, actress Rachel Brosnahan, is the star of Amazon’s “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”