Elyce Arons (Kate Spade & Frances Valentine)

Elyce Arons

Elyce Arons is an American businesswoman and entrepreneur, best known as one of the co-founders of the iconic fashion brand Kate Spade New York. She played a crucial role in the brand’s development and success, overseeing operations and growing it into a globally recognized fashion house. After leaving Kate Spade New York, Arons continued her career in the fashion industry, including co-founding Frances Valentine, a contemporary accessories and lifestyle brand. Her entrepreneurial vision and dedication have left a lasting impact on the fashion world.

Early Life and Education

Elyce Arons was raised on a farm in Wichita, Kansas, along with her four sisters. She began her college education at the University of Kansas, where she met Katy Brosnahan (later known as Kate Spade) in the dorms, living down the hall from one another. The two quickly formed a close friendship, which would later shape both their personal and professional lives.

Arons and Brosnahan eventually transferred to Arizona State University, continuing their education together. Their time at Arizona State marked the beginning of a partnership that would later revolutionize the accessories industry. After completing their studies, Arons and Brosnahan relocated to New York City, where they began working toward launching a new handbag line that would later become the globally recognized Kate Spade New York brand.

Career

Founding of Kate Spade New York In 1993, Elyce Arons, alongside Kate Spade and Andy Spade, co-founded Kate Spade New York. While Kate Spade focused on designing handbags that would later become a hallmark of the brand, Arons was responsible for overseeing the operations, finance, and business strategy. Arons played an instrumental role in managing the company’s growth during its early years, working to secure manufacturing partnerships, distribution deals, and cultivating the brand’s identity.

Kate Spade New York rapidly gained popularity, known for its fresh, modern aesthetic and accessible luxury appeal. By the late 1990s, the brand had expanded from handbags to include a full lifestyle offering, including clothing, accessories, and home goods. Under Arons’ operational leadership, Kate Spade New York became a fashion powerhouse, eventually selling to the Neiman Marcus Group and later, Coach Inc. (now Tapestry, Inc.).

Founding of Frances Valentine After the success of Kate Spade New York, Arons, alongside Kate Spade, co-founded the brand Frances Valentine in 2016. The brand was created with the goal of reinventing and modernizing the accessory and lifestyle market, offering bold, innovative designs that echoed the fun and colorful aesthetic that had become synonymous with Kate Spade. At Frances Valentine, Arons took on the role of CEO, overseeing the day-to-day business while staying true to the spirit of the brand’s creative direction.

Despite the tragic passing of Kate Spade in 2018, Arons remained committed to Frances Valentine, ensuring that the brand continued to flourish and honor Spade’s legacy.

Philanthropy and Advocacy Throughout her career, Elyce Arons has been a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, particularly following the loss of her friend and business partner Kate Spade. She has spoken publicly about the importance of mental health resources and the impact of losing a loved one to mental health struggles. In addition to her advocacy, Arons has supported numerous charitable initiatives, including efforts related to women in business and entrepreneurship.

Personal Life

Elyce Arons is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life despite her high-profile career in the fashion industry. She has lived and worked in New York City, a key hub for her business ventures. When not working, Arons is said to enjoy spending time with her family and engaging in philanthropic efforts.

Legacy

Elyce Arons’ contribution to the fashion industry extends far beyond her work with Kate Spade New York and Frances Valentine. Her ability to navigate the complex fashion landscape, paired with her dedication to business strategy and brand development, has solidified her reputation as a leading figure in American fashion entrepreneurship. Today, she continues to inspire up-and-coming designers and business leaders.

Upcoming book In June 2024, Elyce Arons is set to release her debut book, "We Might Just Make It After All". The book offers an intimate look into her life, detailing her personal and professional journey, including the creation and success of Kate Spade New York and Frances Valentine. Arons shares behind-the-scenes insights into the challenges she faced in building two iconic fashion brands alongside her close friend and business partner, Kate Spade. The book also explores themes of resilience, friendship, and loss, especially after Spade's passing in 2018. The memoir has been highly anticipated for its candid storytelling and inspirational message for entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts alike. It is currently available for pre-order on Amazon and Apple Books.

References

Green, Penelope. "Kate Spade's Legacy: Bright, Colorful, and Full of Charm." The New York Times. June 6, 2018. Kliger, Hannah. "How Frances Valentine is Keeping Kate Spade’s Legacy Alive." Forbes. August 28, 2020. La Ferla, Ruth. "The Sisterhood of Kate Spade New York." Vogue. July 3, 2021. Sherman, Lauren. "Elyce Arons on Growing Two Fashion Brands." Business of Fashion. January 15, 2019. O'Connell, Vanessa. "A Business Built on Friendship: The Story of Kate Spade New York." Wall Street Journal. December 5, 2005. We Might Just Make It After All. Simon & Schuster. 2024. Simon & Schuster. We Might Just Make It After All. Simon & Schuster. 2024. Amazon.

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