NEW YORK, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Kate Spade, one of the most renowned handbag designer in America, was found dead Tuesday in her apartment at the age of 55.

Spade was assumed to have committed suicide, with a note left in her Park Avenue apartment. The exact circumstances of her death have not yet been revealed.

Spade's relatives said they were "devastated by today's tragedy" and would "miss her terribly."

Kate Spade, born in Kansas City in the U.S. midwest State of Missouri, first worked as a journalist after graduating with a journalism degree in 1985.

Spade and her husband, Andy, launched the New York-based design company "Kate Spade Handbags" in January 1993 with the help of outside investors, and she was best known for her cheerful use of bright color and prints which proved a hit with career woman.