At the end of 2013, I began to question myself. I was unhappy with where I was in life and, honestly, not very confident that I could improve it. I questioned my potential, my strength, my resolve. 2014 was an experimental year for me.

Maya Angelou, Robin Williams, Joan Rivers. Winter hasn't even come yet and 2014 has already seen quite a few celebrity deaths. One of the most recent famous losses came this past Monday when fashion mogul Oscar de la Renta passed away. Having been interested in fashion for many years, I was saddened by his passing. I wondered how his fashion house would respond to this tragedy... I was disappointed.

This photograph was the only acknowledgement of Oscar de la Renta’s passing from the companies social media outlets. The same image was used on its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. No description, just the photo. I expected more.

As melancholy as it may be, the death of the face of the brand is a critical moment in the brand story. This is a moment to invite fans into the fashion house, so-to-speak, and grieve with them. Sadness is a powerful emotion, and - while you surely don't intend to profit from it - it should not be neglected.