Seven Years After Kate Spade’s Tragic Death, Best Friend Elyce Arons Opens Her Heart in a Memoir That Honors Love, Loss, and Legacy
Seven years after the world lost the iconic fashion designer Kate Spade, her closest friend and longtime business partner Elyce Arons is finally telling their story — not just the glamorous one the world knows, but the deeply personal tale of friendship, creativity, and heartbreak that unfolded behind closed doors.
In her upcoming memoir We Just Might Make It After All, set to release on June 17, Arons opens up about the woman the world knew as Kate, but whom she knew simply as Katy — a whip-smart, hilarious, fiercely loyal soul who lit up every room she walked into but struggled quietly in the shadows of her own mind.
A Friendship That Became a Fashion Empire
Their story began like many great friendships do — in a college dorm. It was 1981, and Elyce Arons had just met Katy Brosnahan at the University of Kansas. The two bonded over fashion magazines, laughter, and late-night dreams of someday doing something big. That “something big” would eventually become Kate Spade New York — a brand that not only transformed the handbag industry but became a cultural movement for stylish, confident women around the world.
In the ’90s, alongside Katy’s husband Andy Spade and partner Pamela Bell, the two friends brought their vision to life with bold colors, playful patterns, and a refreshing sense of humor. Kate Spade wasn’t just a label — it was an attitude. Arons was by her side through every triumph: from winning prestigious CFDA awards to expanding the brand across the globe.
But as the business flourished, Katy’s inner world grew more complicated.
The Woman Behind the Brand
Arons’ memoir doesn’t shy away from the hard parts. It delves into the emotional and mental health challenges that Katy faced — the struggles that weren’t visible on runways or red carpets. It’s a raw, heartfelt account of loving someone who is suffering, even when they seem to be shining the brightest.
In a powerful excerpt published by PEOPLE, Arons recounts the surreal moment she stepped into Katy’s Park Avenue apartment just days after her death on June 5, 2018. What was once a meticulously curated, vibrant space was now dim and disordered. When she opened the closet to grab an outfit, a swarm of moths flew out. For a split second, Arons instinctively called out Katy’s name, half expecting her to jump out from behind the door as part of an old prank. But the truth landed hard: Katy was really gone.
Arons describes her grief as “a permanent ache.” It’s a pain made even sharper by the knowledge that Katy had so much more to give, and so many people who loved her deeply. Her passing sent shockwaves through the fashion world — and left a void that, for those who knew her best, will never be filled.
Life After Loss — and the Importance of Love
After Katy’s death, Arons found herself grappling with profound grief and questions that may never be answered. But she also felt a deep responsibility to preserve Katy’s memory — not just as a brilliant designer, but as a best friend, a loving mother, and a one-of-a-kind human being.
Together, she and Andy Spade launched Frances Valentine in 2016, a new fashion brand meant to honor Katy’s vision and spirit. Even after Katy’s death, Arons has continued to nurture that legacy — using it not only to celebrate her friend’s creativity but also to encourage open conversations around mental health, grief, and healing.
“We Just Might Make It After All” isn’t just a tribute. It’s a call to action — a gentle reminder to check in on the people we love, to ask hard questions, and to sit with each other through both joy and sorrow.
“Those who loved her continue to grapple with her loss,” Arons writes. “Seeking peace with a decision that left lasting heartbreak.”
A Memoir with a Mission
This memoir offers more than memories — it offers meaning. Arons’ goal is not to provide closure, but connection. To let readers see beyond the headlines and understand the layers of love, pressure, and pain that existed behind Katy’s megawatt smile.
In a world that often glamorizes success without acknowledging the cost, We Just Might Make It After All is a moving, honest look at what happens when someone we love can’t stay — and how we go on loving them anyway.
Arons urges us to do one simple thing: cherish the people you love and never take their presence for granted. Because life, like fashion, is made up of fleeting moments — but love, when shared, can leave a legacy that endures.
Preorders for We Just Might Make It After All are now available. Whether you were a fan of the brand, a friend of someone who struggles with mental health, or someone simply looking for a beautifully human story — this book is a must-read.
Let this memoir be a celebration of friendship, a confrontation with grief, and most importantly, a reminder to keep showing up — for ourselves and for each other.
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