Elyce Arons, co-founder of the celebrated brand Frances Valentine, has kept her late friend and business partner Kate Spade’s legacy alive with vibrant fashion collections that embody Spade’s joyous design vision. Beyond their professional accomplishments,
the deep friendship and bond between Elyce Arons and Kate Spade helped shape the unique essence of their brand, allowing it to reflect a shared love for life, color, and creativity. Here’s how Arons, alongside her husband and Spade’s family, honors the legacy of her iconic friend through Frances Valentine.
The Birth of Frances Valentine: A Passion for Design Rekindled
Frances Valentine was born from a mutual longing for creativity. In 2012, while dining out to celebrate Arons’ birthday, Elyce and Kate—alongside their husbands, Andy Spade and Arons’ own husband, also named Andy—reminisced about their earlier days in design.
After co-founding the iconic Kate Spade brand, which gained popularity for its chic and vibrant handbags, the two longtime friends felt it was time to reignite their creative spark with a fresh endeavor. This led to the founding of Frances Valentine in 2016, a brand known for its lively prints, luxurious fabrics, and bold colors—echoing the playfulness and positivity that defined Spade’s original designs.
Honoring Kate Spade’s Vision at Frances Valentine
Kate Spade’s passing in 2018 left a significant void, but Arons has since dedicated herself to preserving Spade’s aesthetic and uplifting spirit. “I keep Kate’s spirit alive by introducing joyful products in her aesthetic,” Arons shared. Frances Valentine’s collections are heavily inspired by Spade’s favorite motifs, such as peonies, which often appear as beautiful prints. By blending timeless design with modern touches, the brand seeks to inspire people to embrace color and individuality—principles that Spade herself championed.
The Frances Valentine stores, including its latest in Palm Beach, offer customers more than just clothing. Arons has created a personal, intimate retail experience, encouraging visitors to express themselves through creative and colorful style choices. With locations in Sag Harbor and Manhattan, and plans for further expansion, Frances Valentine provides a space where customers can connect with the brand’s vision on a personal level.
Maintaining Close Ties with Kate Spade’s Family
Arons has maintained a close connection with Spade’s family, particularly with Andy Spade and their daughter, Bea. While Andy and Bea have largely kept out of the public eye, Arons has remained a source of support for them as they navigate life after Kate’s passing.
“I am still in touch with Andy and Bea and know how hard it is for them to cope,” Arons says. Her bond with Spade’s family has allowed her to keep Kate’s memory alive not only in her work but also in her relationships.
One notable collaboration has been with Rachel Brosnahan, Spade’s niece, who posed for Frances Valentine’s spring 2019 campaign and continues to promote the brand. Arons speaks highly of Brosnahan, describing her as a genuine, charitable person who embodies the same compassionate spirit as her aunt. By collaborating with family members, Arons preserves Spade’s legacy while engaging new audiences.
Frances Valentine’s Mission: Joyful, Empowering Fashion for All
Arons envisions Frances Valentine as more than a fashion brand; she sees it as a platform for spreading happiness and self-expression. She aims to foster open conversations about mental health, a topic close to her heart since Spade’s tragic passing. Arons believes that by normalizing discussions about mental health, people will feel more empowered to seek help when they need it.
The Frances Valentine team has continued to expand, with plans for new stores and exciting collections inspired by the changing seasons. The brand’s trunk shows and pop-ups in locations like Palm Beach and Greenwich, Connecticut, offer customers an intimate shopping experience where they can interact with the brand up close. According to Arons, the opportunity to connect with customers directly allows Frances Valentine to better understand and meet their needs, enhancing the brand’s focus on personal engagement and customer satisfaction.
Elyce Arons’ Vision for the Future of Frances Valentine
Under Arons’ leadership, Frances Valentine has weathered the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the temporary closure of stores but boosted online sales. Through virtual shopping experiences and a newly launched catalog, Arons has ensured that customers can still enjoy Frances Valentine’s products from the comfort of their homes.
Moving forward, Frances Valentine plans to expand both its physical presence and product offerings. Arons is excited about the upcoming spring collection, which will include colorful caftans, dresses, tops, sandals, and even home goods. Through collaborations with like-minded brands, Frances Valentine continues to evolve while staying true to the joyful spirit that defined Kate Spade’s vision.
FAQ About Elyce Arons and Frances Valentine
1. Who is Elyce Arons’ husband? Elyce Arons is married to a man also named Andy, who has supported her throughout her journey in the fashion industry and in co-founding Frances Valentine with Kate and Andy Spade.
2. What inspired Elyce Arons and Kate Spade to start Frances Valentine? Frances Valentine was born out of a shared desire to return to their creative roots and design products they personally loved. After selling the Kate Spade brand, the two friends sought a fresh start, leading to the creation of Frances Valentine.
3. How does Elyce Arons honor Kate Spade’s legacy at Frances Valentine? Arons keeps Spade’s vision alive through joyful, colorful designs that reflect her friend’s unique style. She also collaborates with Spade’s family members, like Rachel Brosnahan, to continue the legacy.
4. What challenges did Frances Valentine face during the COVID-19 pandemic? The pandemic forced Frances Valentine to temporarily close its physical stores, but the brand saw an increase in online sales. Arons adapted by launching catalogs and enhancing virtual shopping experiences.
5. What’s next for Elyce Arons and Frances Valentine? Frances Valentine plans to open more stores and release new collections featuring vibrant, seasonal designs. Arons also looks forward to upcoming collaborations that will add fresh perspectives to the brand’s offerings.
In honoring her friend and business partner, Elyce Arons continues to build a brand that not only celebrates life and creativity but also keeps Kate Spade’s legacy alive through each thoughtfully designed piece.