Kate Space is known first and foremost for her handbags – a brightly coloured, stylish and fun collection.
But there is one handbag that has stood out since the creation of her and her husband Andy Spades company: the Sam bag.
The Sam bag was one of the six initial handbags that Kate Spade New York started selling in 1993.
Its boxy design was as stylish as it was practical and the nylon material meant it was waterproof, which was a bonus.
In fact, it enjoyed something of a reincarnation this spring as Kate Spade New York celebrated its 25th anniversary
Following the news of Spades untimely death by suicide, a number of fans have shared their fond memories of their first Sam purchase.
In my early 20s, I remember saving all of my money for a Kate Spade Sam Bag in black. It was THE bag. I finally purchased it and carried it with so much pride, and have been a big fan of the empire Kate built. I am saddened by the news and hope Kate has found peace.
— elise (@elise81) June 5, 2018
So sad about Kate Spade. My first and only bag was a Sam that I bought at Nordstrom in 99. I was so excited that I put the dust bag and my purse inside and carried it that day. Every time it was on my arm I thought I was the poo.
— Bianca (@AlexaBiancaB) June 5, 2018
When everyone talks about their first Kate Spade – it's this black nylon Sam bag. I just dug mine out of my closet. 20 years ago I wrote a check to purchase this….when people wrote checks in stores…. #RIPKateSpade pic.twitter.com/BxCMxuyxMY
— LisaCharfauros (@LyssaC) June 5, 2018
My first Kate Spade bag was an oversized pink and ivory colorblock canvas Sam bag. For my birthday in 1998. My little sister shipped it to me from Bloomingdales in NYC. I was so incredibly proud to carry that bag. I am wondering tonight if Kate Spade had a sister
— Gigi USA (@AuntGigiEsq) June 6, 2018
The very first bag I ever coveted was a Kate Spade “Sam” bag when I was 12 years old. All these years later Kate Spades style has been synonymous with my own. Thank you Kate for making bows, color and ladylike style chic and fun for every woman.
— Kathleen McKittrick (@Kath_McKittrick) June 6, 2018
I remember how proud and happy I was to finally get myself a Kate Spade Sam bag. That was nearly 20 years ago, and that bag is still going strong. I've added a few more, but Sam is the quintessential Kate Spade to me. RIP #KateSpade #KateSpadeRIP #katespadeforever
— jackie0h (@trixiestardust) June 6, 2018
The first designer handbag I can ever remember wanting was the Kate Spade Sam bag. Such a simple and classic shape. I still have it and I still love it. It is my constant reminder of hard work and beauty. I am utterly saddened by today's news.
— Jennifer Chao (@jenniferhchao) June 6, 2018
I remember how proud and happy I was to finally get myself a Kate Spade Sam bag. That was nearly 20 years ago, and that bag is still going strong. I've added a few more, but Sam is the quintessential Kate Spade to me. RIP #KateSpade #KateSpadeRIP #katespadeforever
— jackie0h (@trixiestardust) June 6, 2018
RIP Kate Spade. I pressured my parents to save up and buy one of your bags in 8th grade because everyone had to have one — The Sam Bag, but in slate grey. My goth JAP era wishes you peace. My current one knows you have it.
If you're going through something, call: 1-800-273-8255 pic.twitter.com/iWWb64MMpo
— the last glitter
(@thelastglitter) June 5, 2018
My Kate Spade Sam purse was my first designer bag. I saved up from my summer job in 2002 and would visit it at Nordstrom until I was able to buy it. Shes pretty beat up now, but I still love her. That purse holds so many memories and was my first grownup purchase. #thankyoukate pic.twitter.com/dXHysWO6ZX
— Marjie Cunningham (@missmarjiec) June 6, 2018
Which woman here did not own and love her Kate Spade Sam bag. RIP Kate Spade.
— Kristine Economus (@kristinegrace06) June 6, 2018
New York-based fashion designer Kate Spade died age 56 by suicide.
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She was found dead at her apartment in New York and police said that her husband, Andy Spade, was at the scene but it has not been made clear where her daughter was at the time.
Kate was married to Andy Spade from 1994 until her untimely death.
Reports today have claimed that while Andy was at the scene when police found Kates body, he had apparently moved out of their family home
Andy and Kate Spade moved into their $2.675million Park Avenue apartment in 1999, as well as owning a vineyard in Napa Valley, California.
Its understood that Andy was house hunting in the months that lead up to Kates death, according to People.
A source told the US publication: Kate and Andy were having relationship problems.
Another source told US Weekly that they disagreed on the direction of their second handbag brand, Frances Valentine – named after their daughter and Kates maiden name.
They had one daughter together, Frances Beatrix Spade, who is aged just 13.
Kates brother in law was actor and comedian David Spade, who has been in TV series including Love, Inside Amy Schumer, Rules Of Engagement and 8 Simple Rules.
David has paid tribute to his fucking funny sister-in-law Kate Spade, the handbag designer who was found dead in her apartment on Tuesday.
Katy at my book signing. I love this pic of her. So pretty. I dont think everyone knew how fucking funny she was… Its a rough world out there people. Try to hang on, he shared on Twitter, along with a picture of Kate at a book signing he was involved with.
Katy at my book signing. I love this pic of her. So pretty. I dont think everyone knew how fucking funny she was… Its a rough world out there people. Try to hang on pic.twitter.com/2kRPvGvj8w
— David Spade (@DavidSpade) June 6, 2018
In an Instagram picture, he also shared a memory of them together at a Christmas gathering, and added: Fuzzy picture but i love it. Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day. She was so sharp and quick on her feet.
She could make me laugh so hard. I still cant believe it. Its a rough world out there people, try to hang on, he added.
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Later on Tuesday, after the news of Kates death broke, he was pictured sharing a warm hug with an unknown friend.
Wearing a hat and sunglasses he kept a low profile; the pair were very close after Kate married Andy in 1994.
She was also aunt to 27-year-old actress Rachel Brosnahan, who has starred in films including Beautiful Creature, House Of Cards, Manhattan and The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.
As well as her luxury handbags, Kate Space was known for other fashion accessories through her company Kate Spade Handbags, which she launched with her husband.
Her brand became popular for its bright designs and use of colour, along with the spade symbol that is used as the company logo.
Kate Spade was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 24 1962.
She graduated with a degree in journalism from Arizona State University and then started working for womens magazine Mademoiselle.
It was there that she met her husband Andy Spade, who she married in 1994.
Addressing wastefulness in our shopping habits could help save the planet
She eventually became senior fashion editor before leaving the magazine in 1991 and launching her own design company.
Alongside her husband she started kate spade handbags, which led to the production of stylish handbags.
She later started producing other fashion items such as clothes and jewellery and then moved into producing a home collection with kate spade at home.
Kate then sold the company in 2007 and went on to co-found Frances Valentine, which produces handbags and footwear.
Her family released a statement on Tuesday, which read: We are all devastated by todays tragedy. We loved Kate dearly and will miss her terribly.
We would ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very difficult time.
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