The New York Police Department confirmed the death of fashion designer Kate Spade, 55, on Tuesday. It was reported under her birth name, Katherine Noel Brosnahan.

What is known about her death:

• According to police, Spade hanged herself in her Park Avenue home and was pronounced dead on the scene.
• A police spokeswoman told the AFP news agency the exact circumstances surrounding her death were not yet clear.
• An investigation into the death is underway and a medical exam will determine the cause of death, said police.
• Officials, who spoke to The Associated Press news agency on condition of anonymity, said a note was found at the scene. 

Tributes pour in 

Fans of the fashion icon took to Twitter to express their condolences and admiration of the late Spade.

Fashion writer Abby Gardner tweeted about Spade's cultural impact.

Others, like television presenter Trenni Kusnierek, focused on Spade's mental health at the time of her death.

Who was Kate Spade? Spade was a co-founder of the designer label Kate Spade New York, which she later sold. She most recently launched a new accessories label, Frances Valentine. The 55-year-old began her working life as accessories editor at the now-closed Mademoiselle magazine. In 1993 Spade launched her fashion label, Kate Spade New York, with her husband Andy. 

 

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kw/kms (AP, AFP, dpa, Reuters)