Designer Kate Spade's Quotes Continue To Inspire Women Even When She Is Gone

"Designer Kate Spade Found Dead In Her Apartment!" screeched the headline. All of the sudden the Internet wasn't about the ongoing debate over the environment, or how hot it is this summer. Kate Spade reportedly committed suicide and somehow, the little pop of colour in our day seemed to fade away. Metaphorically, of course. Because Kate Spade was just that, a pop of colour. When she set out in the 80's with her range of colourful handbags, it was breath of fresh air for those submerged in a sea of tan and black leather bags. Kate Spade was the season of spring that handbags awaited.

At 55, for a successful, renowned designer to commit suicide by reportedly hanging herself by a doorknob was as tragic as it was sad. It begged the question, in this transient world, is anyone really happy?

But that is not all Kate Spade did. And no, we aren’t talking about her line of home furnishings jewellery, and shoes. She also left in her wake, a host of words that will and should continue to inspire women, people, around the world for years to come.

“I was in Mexico and one of the make-up artist wanted cigarettes. I was driving around Mexico not knowing where to go. That prepared me a lot for what I am doing now. What it really taught me was to leave no stone unturned.” - to CBS

“Mine (great advice I received) would be from my boss, that said "Don't come back with an answer other than yes". And I was like "What?" and then I said "Okay. just do it." - to Build Series

“I wish I worried less.” - to Build Series

“I adored fashion and my mother indulged me, allowing me to go to thrift stores and buy funny pieces of clothing. Everyone in my family was like "Oh my goodness what is she wearing" and I was like "Yes, it's a rave"” - to Build Series

“People, and I think the environment (on what inspires Kate). I would love to say something more intelligent like art or museums or writing. But I would honestly say people.” - to Build Series

“I don’t think that fashion is something people encourage in a lot of schools, but I think they should — it’s all about personal expression.” - to The Cut

“New york has had a huge influence. There is a little bit of chaos that always makes fashion a little interesting and New York has that.” - to InStyle

Clearly, Kate Spade was a serious motivation for people of all age and place. Maybe that is why women all over the world are sad over the loss that the fashion industry has suffered. But more than that, it is the colorful inspiration that the designer brought to so many lives. And that is a greater loss than anyone can imagine.