From Friendship to Fabulous

It all started with a mutual reverence for Mary Tyler Moore.

Story by Judy Goppert

We Just Might Make It After All.

That’s the title of the new book by Elyce Arons, which celebrates her lifelong friendship with Katy (Kate) Spade—a bond that began when they met as college freshmen at the University of Kansas.

“We were both majoring in journalism, and when I asked her why she chose that major, she said she grew up watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show and, like me, wanted to be like Mary,” Arons recalled. “After speaking with several iconic women in broadcasting, like Deborah Roberts and Katie Couric, I realized they were all influenced by Mary’s character — a single woman who was confident, modern, funny, and stylish, with a job in a predominantly male field. She helped open the door for many of us.”

Arons decided to write the book after noticing, at trunk shows, how often people asked for more stories about her relationship with Kate. Encouraged by her husband, she began putting her memories on paper — helped by all of her old calendars and daily diaries she had saved over the years.

In 1993, Arons, Kate, Andy Spade, and Pamela Bell launched Kate Spade, the now-iconic brand. Over the next 13 years, they expanded into a full lifestyle line, adding stationery, footwear, fragrance, tabletop, bedding, and more. In 2006, they sold the brand to The Neiman Marcus Group. Years later, in 2014, Arons and Kate realized how much they missed creating and founded a new accessories line — Frances Valentine — featuring joyful handbags and shoes. Apparel followed several years later to much success.

The name was inspired by family connections. Frances was a name from Spade’s paternal side, while Valentine came from her maternal grandfather, who was born on Valentine’s Day. Kate later legally added Valentine to her name.

“This person, Frances Valentine, represents that best friend who makes you laugh harder than anyone else — your favorite aunt, your sister — that cool, chic, gracious woman in your life who embodies great style,” Arons explained.

One of her fondest memories is meeting Mary Tyler Moore. “Her agent called to schedule it, and Mary showed up at our Kate Spade office the very next day! She could have gone to Saks Fifth Avenue or Barney’s, but instead she came to see the full collection in our office. She was so gracious and kind — like someone you already knew well.”

Arons has also been named the Kansas Society of Washington, D.C.’s 2025 Kansan of the Year, honored as co-founder of Kate Spade and Frances Valentine. The award recognizes her legacy in design, entrepreneurship, and dedication to Kansas values.

~ Elyce Arons & Kate Spade ~

“I’m deeply honored toe considered alongside people like Bob Dole and Dwight Eisenhower,” she said. “It’s refreshing that the Society recognizes Kansans beyond politics and government, and I’m grateful to be chosen. The ceremony will be held in Washington, D.C., and I’m looking forward to meeting the entire Kansas delegation. My family will be there — even my 94-year-old mother is coming.”

She credits her Kansas upbringing for shaping her. “I feel so lucky to have grown up on a farm, the youngest of four daughters. My parents made sure we were involved in community organizations like 4-H, where the values of hard work, honesty, and kindness were reinforced. The beauty of the state — from the waving wheat fields to the scent of alfalfa in the pasture to the endless vistas of crops — cannot be captured in words. There truly is no place like home.”

Fashion has always been part of her life. Her mother, a talented illustrator, once created advertisements for Wichita and Kansas City department stores. Arons and her sisters often took thrift-shopping trips to Wichita, where she developed a love for garments with special details — hand-beading, embroidery, and vintage finds collected during her travels.

She knew she wanted to move to New York City from the age of 14, after visiting her sister Willow, who danced at the Joffrey Ballet School.

“I fell in love and knew I’d live there after college,” she said. “I chose the West Village because it feels more neighborly—and more like Paris—than anywhere else in the city. I live in an 1851 townhouse filled with eclectic treasures and art from our travels. I believe your home should be comfortable and personal, just like how one dresses. Our mantra at Frances Valentine is: wear what makes you happy—and I believe your home should reflect that same spirit.”