Two Talented But Troubled Creative Souls Take Their Lives

Two very well-known creative people took their own lives this past week. People who seemed as though they had everything one could want. People who generously provided us with style, knowledge, entertainment and more. People who’ve been on the cover of People. People who were clearly very, very unhappy.

Although we shared our shock and grief at the losses of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain via social media, we hadn’t yet done so on the blog.

Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain

Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain

Talented, yet tortured, the news that fashion designer Kate Spade and chef/author/host Anthony Bourdain both took their own lives this past week has left many of us saddened and confused.

Famous, wealthy, attractive and each blessed with a teenage daughter, both Kate and Tony seemed as though they had everything to live for. But that’s not how depression works. Despair does not discriminate and sadly, anyone – regardless of status or wealth – can be affected.


We hurt knowing they found life too difficult to bear and we are angry at them, too. Angry that they left us, that they didn’t tell us how bad it was – or that they could ever, ever think we would be better off without them.

Just a few of the books by Anthony Bourdain

I cannot pretend to know what was going on in either of their lives, personally or professionally, but I can tell you that I, along with millions of others, benefitted from both of them through their contributions to the world of fashion and food.

Kate Spade with some of her 90’s iconic handbags

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and one of three that is increasing (the other two are Alzheimer’s disease and drug overdose). As a matter of fact, it was announced yesterday by the US CDC that suicide rates increased by 25% across the United States between 1999 and 2016 (New York Times)

Rest in Peace
We just wanted to share our respect and love for both fashion designer Kate Spade and chef/author/host Anthony Bourdain, whose souls were too troubled to let them live in peace. Although we are now denied their respective talents, we cherish that which we learned and experienced as a result of them.


Rest In Peace Anthony Bourdain. Your culinary skills, irreverent humor and adventurous soul were an inspiration to foodies everywhere.
#RIPAnthonyBourdain


Rest in Peace Kate Brosnahan Valentine. You forever changed the handbag industry and imprinted your style on women of all ages everywhere.
#RIPKateSpade

Suicide rates are on the rise. Remember that The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Call to speak with someone who will provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you want to learn how to help someone in crisis, you can call the same number.