How Celebrities Are Honoring Kate Spade's Life & Legacy

published 6 June 2018

My very first designer wallet (a turquoise-colored bifold) was from Kate Spade. Like most ‘90s girls, I was obsessed, and still am, with the brand's colorful and jazzy designs. And I was deeply saddened to hear about Kate Spade's death on Tuesday. In the wake of the news, it’s no surprise to see how Spade's artistic legacy impacted her fans, like myself, on such a personal, individual level.

It seemed like everyone had a story to tell or comment to make about the accessories designer. Celebrities such as Mindy Kaling and Chelsea Clinton reminisced about their Kate Spade style moments, while Lena Dunham expressed her sympathies and prayers to Spade's family. Twitter was flooded with these heartfelt messages.

Reese Witherspoon

My heart and prayers go out to Kate Spade and her family. What a wonderful, talented woman who will be dearly missed.June 5, 2018

Mindy Kaling

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.June 5, 2018

Chelsea Clinton

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.June 5, 2018

Lucy Hale

Very saddened to hear about the passing of Kate Spade. Mental illness does not discriminate and can happen to anyone with any circumstances. I hope she has found peace ❤️June 5, 2018

Josh Groban

Depression does not discriminate and comes without warning. RIP Kate Spade. Love to her family. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255June 5, 2018

Lena Dunham

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.June 5, 2018

Ivanka Trump

Kate Spade’s tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another’s pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help. https://t.co/eruSexNoGjJune 5, 2018

Jenna Bush Hager

I will never forget the first Kate Spade bag I got for Christmas in college. She was a trailblazer. Her life and death are a reminder that pain doesn’t discriminate. Sending love to her family.June 5, 2018

Steven Kolb

Savannah Guthrie

I loved @katespadeny’s beautiful and whimsical fashions. So sad. Prayers to her family.June 5, 2018

Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at Marie Claire, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's now the Senior Commerce Editor at House Beautiful, where she owns coverage on deals and sales across home decor and accessories, in-depth product reviews on furniture and appliances, as well as news around new product launches since 2023. With help from leading designers and tastemakers, Marina spotlights quality products while tracking current design trends, a skill she’s mastered over six years in fashion media. Marina holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Stony Brook University, beginning her career in narrative-driven commerce coverage as an editorial assistant at PopSugar.