Celeb reactions to Kate Spade's death

A medical examiner has determined that iconic designer Kate Spade died of suicide by hanging, the New York Post reports.

He went on to explain that, the night before her death, he had spoken to her and she seemed happy. She apparently hanged herself on her bedroom doorknob using a scarf.

Her cheerful use of bright colors and prints proved a hit with career women. A suicide note was left at the scene, but police officials declined to disclose its contents.

"Kate Spade's tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another's pain or the burden they carry. We would ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very hard time".

Spade's husband, Andy Spade, also issued a statement contradicting several claims made by Saffo, including that that she did not seek treatment for her mental illnesses, while paying tribute to his "best friend for 35 years". She got her start in fashion working for Mademoiselle magazine in the fashion accessories department. She was actively seeking help for depression and anxiety over the last 5 years, seeing a doctor on a regular basis and taking medication for both depression and anxiety.

The group opened their first storefront in 1996.

Although his wife had suffered from anxiety at points during their relationship and marriage, Andy said her serious bouts of depression began only about six years ago, at the age of 49. The husband-and-wife duo parted ways with their successful company in 2007, after selling to Liz Claiborne Inc. In it, he clarifies some of the reports surrounding her death and speaks candidly about her struggles with anxiety and depression.

The shoe line called "Bella" is described on the Frances Valentine website as being crafted in Italy "from Italian cuoio leather" with the brands' "signature Frances Valentine" jeweled heel. Neiman then turned around and sold the Kate Spade brand for $124 million to Liz Claiborne. "Frances" is a family name on Spade's paternal side, she once told WWD, and "Valentine" was her grandfather's middle name. This time Tapestry, the company formerly known as Coach, paid $2.4 billion for it. Spade's death left a legion of celebrities and fans of her designs heartbroken.

On behalf of the CFDA, CEO Steven Kolb and designer Diane von Furstenberg released a statement to say they felt "devastated".