Designer Kenneth Cole deletes tone-deaf Kate Spade tweet

THE tragic suicide of designer Kate Spade has sent shockwaves through the fashion, but one designer wasn’t too sympathetic.

Designers Kenneth Cole and Kate Spade.

SHOE and apparel designer Kenneth Cole put his foot in his mouth on Tuesday when he reacted to handbag designer Kate Spade’s suicide by calling her an “inspiring accessory”.

“‘I believed that I could, so I did’. She alone didn’t change the handbag world but she was an inspiring accessory. #KateSpade #RIP,” Cole wrote in a since-deleted tweet.

The blowback was swift.

“I’m boycotting @mr_kennethcole Extremely rude ‘inspiring accessory’ remark regarding #KateSpade #RIP,” tweeted Missy Hall.

“I am stunned. Seriously? I wish I could say I’ll never wear your line again, but I NEVER bought that crap in the first place. Kate Spade changed EVERYTHING.” tweeted Wendy Kurth Silver.

Cole issued a more respectful remembrance later in the day but did not apologise for the first, tone-deaf tweet.

“Kate Spade left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and her inspiring life and work will be missed. We lost a true visionary today. My heart goes out to her family and to all she has touched,” he wrote.

In a statement, Cole said the tweet was misunderstood and that he removed it when he realised it could be taken the wrong way.

“I often say ‘We may not heel the world, but we hope to be an accessory,’” he said, punning on the word heel. “After posting the tweet, I realised there may have been room for misinterpretation.”

If you are experiencing mental health issues or suicidal feelings contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue 1300 224 636, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or Headspace on 1800 650 890. If it is an emergency call 000.

This article originally appeared on The New York Post and has been republished here with permission.