Designer’s husband denies drug claims

THE grieving husband of US fashion designer Kate Spade has rejected suggestions she abused drugs or alcohol or had business problems.

Andy Spade said the 55-year-old, who was found dead in her New York apartment after an apparent suicide, had been seeking help for depression and anxiety for “many years”.

Mr Spade said she had “sounded happy” when they spoke the night before.

“My daughter and I are devastated by her loss, and can’t even begin to fathom life without her,” he added.

Mr Spade said they had lived apart for the last 10 months, but had not legally separated or discussed divorce.

Their daughter, Frances Beatrix, who was born in 2005, had been living at both their homes and they maintained a semblance of family life for the youngster.

“We loved each other very much and simply needed a break,” he said. “This is the truth. Anything else that is out there right now is false.

“She was actively seeking help for depression and anxiety over the last five years, seeing a doctor on a regular basis and taking medication for both depression and anxiety.

“There was no substance or alcohol abuse. There were no business problems.”

Spade was best known for the eponymous handbag brand she founded with her husband in 1993.