Elyce Arons, co-founder of the innovative clothing brand Frances Valentine, is a well-regarded figure in the fashion industry. Alongside her best friend and iconic designer Kate Spade, and with the support of her husband, Andy,
Elyce brought Frances Valentine to life, creating a brand that resonates deeply with women looking for classic yet unique clothing options. Following Kate’s tragic passing in 2018, Elyce dedicated herself to honoring Kate’s legacy through Frances Valentine, a brand celebrated for its high-quality, timeless pieces that feel like an investment in yourself.
How Frances Valentine Was Born
The idea for Frances Valentine came to Elyce and her close friends—Kate, Andy Spade, and her husband, also named Andy—during a dinner in 2012. Having sold their former brand, Kate Spade, they felt a strong urge to return to their creative roots.
They missed the process of designing pieces they loved and wanted to wear, sparking excitement about launching something new. In 2015, Frances Valentine emerged, reflecting a refined yet accessible style that has since become synonymous with the brand.
Frances Valentine appeals especially to mothers seeking reliable and enduring wardrobe staples. Elyce describes their pieces as “gifts to yourself,” offering women clothing that remains fashionable across seasons. Through the brand, Elyce has captured the spirit of timeless fashion, emphasizing quality over fleeting trends.
The Journey of Kate Spade and Its Legacy
Launching Kate Spade was a challenging yet exhilarating journey for Elyce and her team. In those early years, they worked tirelessly, dedicating their lives to building a brand that soon became a global phenomenon. Despite the long hours and the sacrifices required,
Elyce recalls those years fondly, even the tougher times. However, with families growing and priorities shifting, the founders knew it was time for a change. Kate Spade, initially their “first child,” became a legacy, allowing each partner to refocus on family and new ventures.
When Frances Valentine was launched, it felt like a continuation of that legacy. Elyce, carrying forward Kate’s vision and her love for timeless design, felt a renewed sense of purpose. Every piece crafted at Frances Valentine bears this legacy, merging style and substance that customers continue to appreciate.
Embracing Life During Quarantine: Family, Creativity, and Silver Linings
Quarantine brought Elyce a gift she hadn’t anticipated: extended, uninterrupted family time. Spending spring 2020 with her family was especially meaningful as her daughter Katy was preparing to graduate from high school. Family activities became the highlight of their days—cooking themed dinners,
dancing to Broadway soundtracks, doing puzzles, baking bread, and spending quality time in each other’s company. Despite the challenges, quarantine underscored the joy and importance of family time, leaving a lasting impact on Elyce’s perspective on work-life balance.
Facing the Challenges of COVID-19 with Resilience
Opening a Frances Valentine store in Palm Beach just months before COVID-19 underscored Elyce’s commitment to her community and her business. As a small company, opening new stores requires intense preparation and teamwork.
Elyce and her colleague Lynda Fisher took a hands-on approach, furnishing the store themselves, visiting vintage shops, and setting up each detail. When the pandemic struck, forcing the store to shut down temporarily, Elyce focused on expanding their online presence, a strategy that proved successful as customers embraced online shopping.
The brand’s joyful and vibrant designs became a source of comfort during an uncertain time, and Frances Valentine’s first catalog, which coincidentally arrived in June 2020, allowed Elyce to reach her loyal customers in a new way. This period reaffirmed her belief in the brand’s mission: to bring color and joy into people’s lives, even in difficult times.
Honoring Kate Spade with the Love Katy Collection
Kate Spade’s passing was a significant personal and professional loss for Elyce, but she found a way to honor her friend through the “Love Katy” collection. This collection features pieces inspired by Kate’s vintage apparel, allowing Elyce to share a piece of her friend’s personality and style with fans and customers. For Elyce, the collection is a tribute to Kate, celebrating her friend’s talent and influence in a heartfelt, tangible way.
Elyce Arons’ Favorites from Frances Valentine’s Fall Line
Elyce has a deep appreciation for Frances Valentine’s fall line, with pieces she describes as cozy, stylish, and quintessentially Frances Valentine. Among her personal favorites are the color-blocked knit wrap and the fisherman sweater, staples she reaches for throughout the season.
These pieces, crafted with warmth and style in mind, reflect Frances Valentine’s dedication to comfort without sacrificing elegance. The line’s multi-stripe sweater and faux fur jackets embody the brand’s unique blend of comfort and style, offering versatile options for any occasion.
Reconnecting with Customers at Trunk Shows
For Elyce, trunk shows represent an invaluable opportunity to connect with customers directly. These intimate events, where shoppers can interact with and try on Frances Valentine pieces, offer valuable insights into customer preferences.
Elyce treasures the feedback she receives, enjoying the conversations with women who find joy and confidence in Frances Valentine’s designs. After months of social distancing, reconnecting with her audience through these shows has been a welcome return to a favorite part of her work.
Elyce Arons’ “Mom Uniform” and 5-Minute Beauty Routine
Balancing motherhood and business, Elyce has a practical yet stylish approach to her wardrobe, often referring to her staple pieces as her “mom uniform.” For summer, she favors the Frances Valentine Capri tunic or a floral top paired with Levi’s 501s. Her fall staples include pink corduroy pants, cozy sweaters, and a French blue tweed jacket—simple but elegant choices that reflect her brand’s ethos.
Her beauty routine, though simple, is effective. Relying on Cetaphil cleanser and La Mer moisturizing cream, she completes her look with a touch of Bobbi Brown tint, powder, blush, and her go-to lipstick shade, Rum Raisin. Her approach embodies the Frances Valentine aesthetic: classic, effortless, and timeless.
What Lies Ahead for Elyce Arons and Frances Valentine
Elyce has big plans for Frances Valentine, with two additional catalogs planned for fall and holiday seasons. The brand also intends to open stores in Texas and South Carolina, extending Frances Valentine’s reach into new communities. In spring, the brand will unveil exciting collaborations, along with a vibrant lineup of caftans, dresses, sandals, and home goods. Elyce looks forward to sharing these collections, which promise to bring even more color and joy to Frances Valentine fans.
Mentors and Inspirations in Elyce Arons’ Life
For Elyce, the women who inspire her most are mothers. Recognizing the resilience, strength, and love that mothers embody, Elyce considers motherhood the most important and challenging role a woman can have. If asked to name a single inspiration, she highlights Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose legacy of empowering women resonates with Elyce’s personal and professional philosophy.
In conclusion, Elyce Arons’ journey with Frances Valentine embodies her passion for timeless fashion and her dedication to honoring Kate Spade’s legacy. Through each piece, she delivers quality, joy, and elegance—qualities that resonate with customers, from working mothers to fashion enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elyce Arons and Frances Valentine
Q1: Who is Elyce Arons’ husband?
A1: Elyce Arons is married to Andy, who played an integral role in establishing Frances Valentine alongside Elyce, Kate Spade, and Andy Spade. Together, they shared a vision for a brand that celebrates timeless, high-quality fashion.
Q2: How did Elyce Arons continue Kate Spade’s legacy?
A2: After Kate Spade’s passing, Elyce dedicated herself to honoring her friend’s legacy through Frances Valentine. She introduced the “Love Katy” collection, which features pieces inspired by Kate’s style, keeping her memory alive in every piece.
Q3: What inspired Elyce Arons to create Frances Valentine?
A3: Frances Valentine was born from Elyce and her friends’ desire to return to their roots in design and fashion. The brand celebrates timeless style, quality, and creativity, focusing on pieces that bring lasting joy to women’s wardrobes.
Q4: What is Elyce Arons’ “mom uniform”?
A4: Elyce’s “mom uniform” consists of comfortable, stylish pieces like the Capri tunic in summer and corduroy pants with cozy sweaters in fall. Her wardrobe reflects Frances Valentine’s commitment to quality, practicality, and timeless style.
Q5: What’s next for Frances Valentine?
A5: Frances Valentine is expanding with new stores planned in Texas and South Carolina, additional catalogs, and exciting brand collaborations. Elyce remains committed to growing the brand, sharing joyful, vibrant designs with new audiences.