I am shell shocked today.

Learning of Anthony Bourdain’s suicide after hearing of Kate Spade’s early in the week is simply too much. Too much talent…lost.

I admired both of these luminaries for different reasons.

I liked Kate’s “Hamptonian” style, her sense of humor in fashion, her bold use of color. I met her and Andy in 1994 in their tiny NY showroom, she was charming. I saw her rise in the fashion world by strategically adding new divisions to her empire. First there were handbags, then paper goods, then ready-to-wear, and even great iPhone covers. I was aware that she no longer was running the business, but whenever I walked into her stores, I thought of Kate.

On Anthony Bourdain…I had a love hate relationship with him. Sadly, he didn’t know it.

I considered Anthony an intelligent man. I also thought of him as truly someone that was his own man, he didn’t care who you were, didn’t care what you did, if you were poor or rich, it seemed all he wanted was a good meal, a great conversation and exceptional booze. I was also amazed at his ability to consume calories without gaining an ounce.

We believe that people who commit suicide are in pain and miserable. I am not sure that is true. I want to believe that they simply had too much of this life and wanted something else.

After all, none of us are permanent, we will all come to our own end one day, and it is the quality of our daily life that matters.

May Kate and Anthony be at peace.