Kate Spade has committed suicide by hanging herself in in her apartment and was found by her housekeepers at 10.20AM this morning. Kate left a note at the scene but officials have not been authorised to divulge its content.

The designer was born in Missouri and launched her own line of handbags in 1993. Later Kate’s interest spanned into both jewellery and clothing also. Kate’s successful brand has over 140 outlet stores and retail shops across the U.S., and another 175 stores internationally.

Known internationally for her work, Kate won many awards. For example, Kate’s home collection won three design awards in 2004, including, Bon Appetit’s "American Food and Entertaining Award for Designer of the Year", House Beautiful’s "Giants of Design Award for Tastemaker" and Elle Decor’s "Elle Decor International Design Award for Bedding".

Read more about Kate Spade’s popular brand in our Wonder Woman Wednesday tribute.

Kate married Andy Spade, the brother of the actor and comedian David Spade, in 1994. The couple have one child, Frances Beatrix Spade, who was born in 2005.