From Fashion to Legacy: Elyce Arons' Journey with Frances Valentine and the Heartfelt Story Behind Her Success - Christina Daves

In the world of fashion, Elyce Arons’ name carries the weight of creativity, resilience, and legacy. As a co-founder of the iconic Kate Spade brand and now the visionary behind Frances Valentine,the luxury lifestyle brand that combines timeless elegance with a joyful spirit, Elyce has made her mark in more ways than one. Elyce’s journey is a true testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of friendship. In this episode of the podcast, Elyce shares her incredible story from her early days at Kate Spade to launching Frances Valentine and navigating the emotional challenges of losing her best friend. Her story is one of triumph, loss, and unwavering dedication to spreading joy through style. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone seeking inspiration, Elyce’s story will resonate with you on a deeper level.

The Early Days of Elyce Arons: A Passion for Fashion and Entrepreneurship

Elyce Arons’ journey into the fashion industry wasn’t the result of a simple, straight path but rather a combination of passion, resilience, and a series of serendipitous opportunities. In her conversation, Elyce reflects on her early days with Katie Spade, where their friendship blossomed into a successful business partnership. Together, they built Kate Spade into the global fashion brand we know today. But for Elyce, it wasn’t just about creating stylish handbags; it was about creating a brand that resonated with people, that made them feel empowered and happy.

However, Elyce and Katie’s lives took a pause when they decided to take time off after the success of Kate Spade, focusing on family and personal growth. For eight years, Elyce immersed herself in her family life, taking cooking classes, learning to play tennis, and even becoming the president of her school’s Parents Association. But despite her many accomplishments during this period, both Elyce and Katie missed the world of fashion. Their passion for design and creativity never waned, which eventually led them to the decision to relaunch their careers.

The Birth of Frances Valentine: A New Chapter

In 2014, after almost a decade of stepping back from the fashion world, Elyce and Katie began discussing the idea of starting something new. They wanted to return to their roots—creating something beautiful, something personal. With a shared love for handbags and shoes, the duo founded Frances Valentine in 2016. Named after two family names, Frances and Valentine, the brand represented not only Elyce and Katie’s personal connection but also their vision for creating products that would make women feel joyous, stylish, and confident.

Elyce describes Frances Valentine as more than just a brand—it’s a celebration of personal style. The idea behind Frances Valentine was to create products that felt like they belonged to a best friend or a favorite aunt—someone who made you laugh and always had your back. The brand’s mission was to offer quality products that were not only luxurious but also accessible to everyday women, without compromising on style or craftsmanship.

A Heartbreaking Loss: Katie’s Passing and the Legacy of Frances Valentine

Tragedy struck in 2018 when Elyce lost her best friend and business partner, Katie, to suicide. The emotional toll of this loss was devastating, but Elyce found the strength to continue Frances Valentine in Katie’s honor. The brand not only became a way for Elyce to preserve Katie’s legacy, but also to share her passion for joy, laughter, and creative design with the world.

In an emotional part of the podcast, Elyce talks about the tribute she created to Katie’s memory. Together, they had always collected vintage clothing pieces over the years, items that held sentimental value. After Katie’s passing, Elyce decided to recreate two of Katie’s favorite vintage pieces;a caftan and an embroidered sweater,and release them through Frances Valentine. The response was overwhelming, with both pieces selling out almost immediately. Elyce explains how this experience highlighted the importance of staying true to the brand’s roots and ensuring that each piece told a story.

The Power of Customer Connection and the Evolution of the Brand

One of the most unique aspects of Frances Valentine is Elyce’s hands-on approach to the business. Despite the tragic loss of Katie, Elyce continued to drive the brand forward, ensuring that it remained a reflection of both her vision and the loyal customer base that supported them from the very beginning. Elyce’s connection with her customers is personal, and she enjoys meeting them face-to-face at trunk shows and pop-ups. This direct connection has allowed Elyce to gain invaluable insights into what her customers want and how they relate to the brand’s aesthetic.

As the brand grew, Elyce admits that there were things she thought she would never do. “We’ll never make pants,” she recalls saying, but due to customer demand, Frances Valentine began creating pants, jackets, and even a full apparel collection. The brand’s commitment to quality, timeless pieces that would last a lifetime became a cornerstone of their identity. Elyce’s love for vintage clothing played a significant role in the designs, with many pieces featuring classic silhouettes reimagined with modern fabrics and, of course, the addition of pockets—because, as Elyce says, “Everyone wants pockets!”

Frances Valentine Today: A Family Affair and a Vision for the Future

Frances Valentine has expanded its presence across the country, with brick-and-mortar stores in New York, Texas, Florida, Atlanta, and more. Elyce is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, constantly innovating and designing new collections. She’s also excited about her upcoming book, which will chronicle her journey with Katie and the formation of Frances Valentine. The book is set to be released next year and promises to be an emotional and inspiring read for anyone who has followed Elyce’s journey.

For Elyce, family remains at the heart of everything she does. Her three daughters, Katie, Jane, and Marnie, have all worked with her at Frances Valentine, and Elyce is hopeful that they will continue the legacy of the brand in the future. “We might not have all the answers, but we’ve built something that matters,” Elyce reflects.

Looking to the future, Elyce hopes to continue expanding Frances Valentine, reaching more women who want to feel confident and joyful in their clothes. She envisions a future where the brand grows, her daughters become more involved, and Frances Valentine continues to spread joy and personal style to women everywhere.

A Legacy of Joy and Resilience

Elyce Arons’ journey is one of resilience, creativity, and emotional depth. Her ability to overcome personal tragedy while maintaining a focus on her business is truly inspiring. Through Frances Valentine, Elyce continues to honor the legacy of her best friend, Katie, while building a brand that is dedicated to empowering women through style.

As Elyce continues to expand Frances Valentine and shares her story through her upcoming book, there’s no doubt that her legacy will inspire generations of women to come. Whether you’re a fan of her fashion designs or simply seeking inspiration from a woman who has faced hardship with grace, Elyce Arons’ story is one that will stay with you long after you’ve read it.

Watch her full episode here: