Fashion designer and icon Kate Spade died of an apparent suicide June 5th, in her home in New York City and the world is currently grieving a shocking and tragic loss.
I remember being introduced to Kate Spade a few years ago and I was always drawn to the brand because of its super bright colors, vibrancy, and whimsical appeal. I absolutely love Kate Spade and one of her small clutches is one of my first designer pieces. Kate Spade is just that kind of brand that when you see it, you can’t miss it. It has a fun, bubbly appeal that will make any woman feel happy in whatever they are wearing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiPPaAblgla/?taken-by=katespadeny
So when my mom told me she has apparently took her life, I couldn’t believe it.
“Yeah, I heard it on the news, ” my mom said.
“I thought you would have heard.”
By the time I did hear, it was already all over the news and of course, with many cases of suicide, people’s remarks thereafter sometimes can come from a place of ignorance.
As many celebrities and people all over the world had loving messages to send forth in memory of the icon, such as a touching message from Mindy Kaling on her love for Kate Spade, others had different sentiments.
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
One post I saw on Twitter truly reminded me that yes, we have come extremely far when it comes to being educated on mental health, depression, and suicide, but ignorance still exists highly among many of us.
The commenter claimed that it is shocking that Spade took her life because of the empire she has built and a net worth of $150 million.
Just reading about Kate Spade’s suicide. How do some of the most successful and celebrated people end their lives so tragically? She built a fashion empire only to apparently commit suicide at age 55? Life can never be understood…. hmm
— B.You by Berla Mundi (@berlamundi) June 6, 2018
When I saw this, as the writer and the opinionated person that I am I responded: “What an ignorant tweet, because money doesn’t buy happiness.”
I was rattled and upset by her statement because I thought it was known that money doesn’t buy happiness. That it was known that we are human beings, with sufferings and ruins in our minds and lives, beyond our wealth and status.
But I was wrong.
A lot of us still believe that being rich, having an empire and having the world know who you are is enough to quell any sadness we may feel.
And this is a problem.
It’s a problem because when tragic things like this happen, we fail to sympathize with the bigger issue of the demon Spade was apparently wrestling with for years. Her sister had apparently tried to get her help numerous times but failed to because Spade had many moments where she “chickened out” of treatment and as a result, resorted to alcohol instead.
As we know it now, Kate Spade was reeling, depressed and thought about suicide many times, but her pride got in the way of getting the help she needed and that is what people should really be focusing on.
I think because I am a survivor of depression and suicidal thoughts and ideation, I, like many others, see this differently. I didn’t automatically want to judge her for taking her life, or thought straight to the fact that she was rich yet struggled, but I thought to myself, “Wow, yes, she looked put together, she had an empire, but now we know the true pain behind the facade.”
And I truly hope this is how we can begin to look at tragedies like this in the future, instead of making assumptions and believing that money can fix all wounds.
In terms of her legacy, Kate Spade’s classic and bright pieces have been worn by royals and the daughters of presidents, such as Malia Obama. Her line is very affordable chic and has been featured on Gossip Girl and Sex and the City and by celebrities such as Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon, and Lena Dunham. Her wit and a keen eye for designs and for allowing her true personality of being spirited, colorful and true to who she was.
Kate Spade wanted to be remembered as not only a businesswoman but as “a great friend and a heck of a lot of fun.”
And with the legacy she has left for women all over the world, with her fun quotes, colors and personality, in spite of this tragedy, we will remember her as just that and not her struggles.
Featured image via “Kate Spade Quotes” by iHeartsy-Music
Such a beautiful article, thank you for writing it <3
Thank you:)