Fashion designer Kate Spade has been found dead in her New York apartment.

The city's Police Department has confirmed the death of the 55-year-old under her birth name, Katherine Brosnahan.

Spade began her career in 1986 as accessories editor at the now-closed Mademoiselle magazine, leaving in 1991.

But she was best-known for her handbag range, launched in 1993 with her husband Andy.

Her designs were dominated by cheerful colours and prints and they saw her become one of the biggest names in US fashion.

She sold the brand in 2006 and was no longer directly involved in the management of the company.

 

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