Elyce Arons is a key figure in the American fashion industry, known for her pivotal role in co-founding two influential brands: Kate Spade and Frances Valentine. Her journey from a Kansas farm to leading high-end fashion labels is a story of determination, creativity, and business acumen. As a co-founder of Kate Spade, she helped build one of the most recognizable handbag brands in the world.
Bio/wiki Table
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Elyce Arons |
Date of Birth | Not publicly available |
Place of Birth | Kansas, USA |
Nationality | American |
Education | University of Kansas (Journalism) |
Occupation | Businesswoman, Fashion Executive |
Years Active | 1993–present |
Known For | Co-founding Kate Spade and Frances Valentine |
Notable Work | Handbag and fashion brand development |
Former Company | Kate Spade New York (1993–2006) |
Current Role | CEO & Co-founder of Frances Valentine |
Key Collaborators | Kate Spade, Andy Spade |
Fashion Philosophy | Timeless, bold, and joyful designs |
Major Achievements | Expanding Kate Spade into a global lifestyle brand, launching Frances Valentine |
Retail Expansion | Opened Frances Valentine stores in multiple U.S. cities |
Personal Life | Took a hiatus from fashion to focus on family before returning to the industry |
Legacy | Built brands that celebrate individuality, colour, and timeless fashion |
Early Life and Education
A Kansas Upbringing
Elyce Arons was born and raised on a farm in Kansas, an environment far removed from the bustling fashion capitals of the world. She was the youngest of four daughters in a household that encouraged creativity and self-expression. Her mother, a former design student, was actively involved in community theatre and often designed and sewed costumes for local productions. This creative household was filled with fabrics, sewing machines, and colourful designs that fascinated young Elyce.
The family’s costume closet became one of her favourite places, allowing her to experiment with different styles and develop a love for clothing and design from an early age. She would often mix and match pieces, playing with colours and textures, unknowingly honing her future skills as a fashion designer.
Discovering Fashion
As a teenager in the early 1980s, Elyce was introduced to the world of high fashion through magazines. When Elle magazine launched in the United States, she became one of its first subscribers. The magazine introduced her to global fashion trends, luxury brands, and the industry’s most influential designers. This exposure broadened her perspective beyond her rural upbringing and planted the seed for her future career in fashion.
The University of Kansas and Meeting Kate Spade
Elyce Arons attended the University of Kansas, where she pursued a degree in journalism. It was here that she met Katy Brosnahan, who would later become famous as Kate Spade. The two bonded instantly over their love for fashion, vintage shopping, and creative projects. Their shared sense of humour and passion for style made them inseparable.
Both women admired The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which depicted an independent, stylish career woman living in the city. Inspired by this, they dreamed of one day moving to New York City and making their mark on the world.
After graduating, Elyce, Kate, and their friends Andy and David Spade moved to New York City to pursue their careers. Elyce took on marketing roles in the fashion industry, while Kate worked at Mademoiselle magazine.
Founding Kate Spade

Identifying a Gap in the Market
In the early 1990s, Elyce and Kate recognized a void in the handbag market. Women’s bags at the time were either overly feminine and ornate or too serious and professional. Few options blended playfulness, practicality, and modern aesthetics. This realization led them to create their handbag line, one that would offer stylish, simple, and functional designs.
The Birth of Kate Spade
In 1993, Elyce Arons, Kate Spade, and Andy Spade co-founded the Kate Spade brand. Their goal was to create a collection of handbags that combined sophisticated, clean lines with vibrant colours and practical designs.
With a limited budget, they operated from the Spades’ apartment, designing prototypes and handling all aspects of the business themselves. Elyce took on various roles, from marketing to production, helping to grow the brand organically.
Their breakthrough moment came when a department store buyer took notice of their designs and placed a large order. From there, the brand gained momentum, with fashion editors and celebrities embracing the modern, chic aesthetic of Kate Spade handbags.
Expanding the Brand
Over the next 13 years, Kate Spade expanded beyond handbags, evolving into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. The company introduced shoes, clothing, accessories, and home goods, all featuring signature bold colours, graphic prints, and playful yet sophisticated designs that became synonymous with the brand.
The success of Kate Spade was groundbreaking, proving that women-driven fashion businesses could thrive in a competitive industry.
Selling the Company
In 2006, after years of success, Elyce and her partners decided to sell Kate Spade to Neiman Marcus. The decision was driven by personal and professional reasons, including the desire to focus on their growing families and explore new creative opportunities.
Personal Life

After selling Kate Spade, Elyce took a step back from the fashion industry to focus on her personal life. She dedicated time to raising her children, getting involved in their schools, and embracing a slower pace.
However, her passion for design never faded. She continued to stay connected with the fashion world, observing trends and thinking about future projects.
Founding Frances Valentine
The Idea for a New Brand
By 2014, Elyce and Kate began discussing their desire to return to fashion. They missed the creative process and the thrill of building something new. Over a birthday dinner, they decided to launch another brand—one that would reflect their love for vintage-inspired designs and high-quality craftsmanship.
The Launch of Frances Valentine
In 2016, Elyce, Kate, and Andy Spade co-founded Frances Valentine. Named after family names, the brand was meant to feel personal and timeless. Initially focused on handbags and shoes, Frances Valentine embraced bold colours, playful patterns, and a modern yet nostalgic aesthetic.
The brand quickly found a loyal following, attracting women who loved classic, well-made pieces with a unique touch.
Kate Spade’s Passing and Continuing the Legacy
In 2018, Kate Spade’s tragic passing was a devastating loss for Elyce and the entire fashion community. However, Elyce was determined to continue the brand’s mission and honour Kate’s legacy.
She expanded Frances Valentine to include apparel, inspired by Kate’s vintage collection. The clothing line was a success, often selling out as customers embraced its joyful, sophisticated style.
Daily Life and Leadership Style
As CEO of Frances Valentine, Elyce is deeply involved in every aspect of the business. She starts her day early, reading industry news and preparing for meetings. She oversees product development, marketing, and brand strategy, ensuring that Frances Valentine remains true to its core values.
Her leadership style is collaborative and hands-on, reflecting her deep knowledge of the fashion industry and her passion for design.
Navigating Market Challenges and Growth
Expanding Retail Presence
Under Elyce’s leadership, Frances Valentine has expanded its retail presence. The brand has opened stores in key locations, including Atlanta, Birmingham, and Alexandria, with more planned for the future.
Adapting to Digital Trends
Elyce also embraced e-commerce, strengthening the brand’s online presence and social media marketing to connect with customers worldwide.
Personal Style and Fashion Philosophy

Elyce’s style reflects the ethos of Frances Valentine—bold, classic, and joyful. She believes that fashion should be fun and empowering, encouraging women to wear pieces that bring them confidence and happiness.
See Also: Nala Whitfield
FAQ’s
1. Who is Elyce Arons?
Elyce Arons is an American businesswoman and fashion executive best known for co-founding the luxury fashion brands Kate Spade New York and Frances Valentine. She has played a crucial role in shaping modern handbag and apparel trends.
2. What is Elyce Arons’ connection to Kate Spade?
Elyce Arons was a longtime friend and business partner of Kate Spade (Katy Brosnahan). They met at the University of Kansas, later moving to New York City, where they co-founded the Kate Spade brand in 1993, along with Andy Spade.
3. What role did Elyce Arons play in Kate Spade New York?
Elyce Arons was instrumental in the marketing, branding, and business operations of Kate Spade. She helped grow the company from a small handbag line to a globally recognized lifestyle brand that included accessories, clothing, and home goods.
4. Why did Elyce Arons leave Kate Spade?
In 2006, Elyce and her business partners sold Kate Spade to Neiman Marcus. The decision was made to explore new opportunities and focus on their growing families.
5. What is Frances Valentine?
Frances Valentine is a fashion brand co-founded by Elyce Arons, Kate Spade, and Andy Spade in 2016. The brand initially focused on handbags and shoes but later expanded into apparel, offering vintage-inspired, bold, and joyful designs.
Conclusion
Elyce Arons has impacted the fashion industry through her work with Kate Spade and Frances Valentine. She has built brands that celebrate individuality, creativity, and timeless style.
Her ability to adapt to changing trends while staying true to her vision has solidified her reputation as a leader in fashion.
As Frances Valentine grows. Elyce remains dedicated to creating designs that inspire joy, ensuring that the legacy she and Kate Spade built lives on.