It is a sad day for the fashion world as American fashion designer Kate Spade was found lifeless in her Manhattan apartment on Tuesday morning, June 5, U.S. time.
Kate was 55 years old.
— kate spade new york (@katespadeny) June 5, 2018
Fans of the international designer mourn her death, posting their tributes on social media.
My heart and prayers go out to Kate Spade and her family. What a wonderful, talented woman who will be dearly missed.
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) 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
Some of our local celebrities have also tweeted their thoughts and condolences.
Rest In Peace, Kate Spade, and thank you for the beauty you brought to this world via your colorful clothes, purses, bags and shoes. I am and will always be a fan.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) June 5, 2018
The death of the famed designer has also sparked renewed conversation online among professionals, celebrities, and netizens about mental health awareness.
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
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) June 5, 2018
And if you struggle with mental illness, know you aren’t alone. There is power in asking for help. The more we talk about it, the more change we can see. Life is worth living and you are worth every second of it.
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) June 5, 2018
Depression does not discriminate and comes without warning. RIP Kate Spade. Love to her family.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) June 5, 2018
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Incredibly saddened by Kate Spade’s tragic suicide at only 55. Depression is a life threatening illness just like heart disease, cancer, or sepsis. There should be no stigma about mental health—only treatment, awareness, and compassion.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) June 5, 2018
Designer Kate Spade took her own life today. She left behind a billion dollar brand and a net worth of 200 million. Let this remind us that money can’t buy happiness and depression doesn’t discriminate. Be kind & love one another. Everyone’s fighting a battle that you cannot see.
— Brandon Blair? (@BrandonLBlair) June 5, 2018
The passing of Kate Spade is very sad. Depression does not care how much money you have, where you live, your education, how many friends you have etc. Mental health issues of all kinds are serious and Depression is truely awful. Rest In Peace.
— DrewW/Pup Gavel???? (@aBOLDcupofdrew) June 6, 2018
Saddened to hear the news of Kate Spade’s passing. Seeing lots of messages from people saying what might have been wrong in her life. But depression doesn’t work like that. There doesn’t have to be anything wrong to feel like everything is wrong. ♠?♥?
— Phill Rushmere (@phillrushmere) June 6, 2018
I overheard a woman earlier saying "Nasa kanya na lahat, gawin pa niya yun, parang kay Whitney Houston lang gud." and I'm assuming she's talking about Kate Spade's suicide.
— A Ray of Sunshine ?? (@geraldania) June 6, 2018
Wrong ka dun, Mumsh. Being successful and wealthy doesn't exempt you from depression.
People who knew Kate Spade, believed her to be human champagne. Lightly sparkling and completely fun.
— Nirav Agrawal (@nirav_agrawal) June 6, 2018
Her passing is a reminder that money can’t buy mental wellbeing and success can’t cure chronic depression.#RIPKateSpade #MentalHealthMatters #KateSpade #SuicidePrevention pic.twitter.com/ZrxuQo3WvU
To the person feeling lonely, hopeless, exhausted, overwhelmed or sad- you are not alone. We’re all working through this magnificently messy thing called life - together. Please keep going and know you are loved. #katespade pic.twitter.com/9cJZLDQ0xX
— Katie Mehnert (@katiemehnert) June 6, 2018
In a 2017 report, the World Health Organization (WHO) said “close to 800,000 people” take their own lives every year. It is also reported to be the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29 years old.RIP Kate Spade, we often think people with wealth and fame can’t or shouldn’t have mental health issues especially depression.
— Abidemi Babatunde?? (@bibilamour04) June 6, 2018
You don’t know what a person is going through, be kind with your words. Don’t hide behind the anonymity of the keyboard.
Be humane for God’s sake!
The data on suicide ideation and suicide attempts among Filipino adolescents should also be of concern.
A 2017 study by Mark Quintos of University of the Philippines Los Baños further supported this, citing that “roughly one in every ten Filipino youth aged 15 to 27 have thought of ending their life through suicide before,” and one in every 20 pushes through with an actual attempt.
Suicidal ideation, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, "refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide."
The death of Kate Spade is sad news and once agan reminds us to be more mindful about how we treat each other, to become more sensitive to the people around us, and be kinder to one another.
