Elyce Arons Reflects on Friendship and Struggles of Kate Spade

Elyce Arons, cofounder of the renowned Kate Spade brand, has recently published a memoir titled "We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade," which offers an intimate portrayal of the late designer’s life, her struggles with fame, and the profound friendship they shared. The memoir sheds light on the complexities of navigating public life as a designer, particularly for Spade, who was known for her vibrant designs but found the pressures of celebrity challenging.

Arons, who met Spade during their freshman year at the University of Kansas, later transferred to Arizona State University together. Their friendship blossomed as they co-founded the iconic handbag company, which became synonymous with affordable luxury. According to Arons, Spade was the public face of the brand, a role she never sought out but fulfilled due to the brand's name being hers. “Katy never wanted to be the public face of anything. On the contrary, she was apprehensive of fame,” Arons reflects in her memoir, highlighting Spade's natural introversion and discomfort with celebrity status.

Throughout their journey, the trio, including Spade's husband Andy, faced numerous challenges. Arons recounts early days in Spade’s New York apartment, where they launched the brand with a mix of creativity and determination. As the company grew, they moved into an office and continued to innovate, drawing on local textile manufacturers for support. Despite their success, Spade struggled with the demands of her role, particularly during promotional tours, which left her feeling isolated.

In one poignant account, Arons recalls a phone call from Spade during a tour for their first perfume, where Spade expressed feelings of abandonment. “I know it’s not your fault that you’re not here, but I feel abandoned by you,” Spade said, a reflection of the emotional toll that her public persona took on her.

The memoir also delves into Spade's battle with depression, a struggle that Arons was aware of but did not fully grasp the depth of. After their company was sold, Arons and Spade attempted to establish a new venture, Frances Valentine, which initially showed promise. However, Spade’s untimely death in 2018 left Arons grappling with loss and unanswered questions, particularly in light of their last conversation just a day prior.

"Losing my best friend for life... was like losing your face in a mirror," Arons writes, capturing the profound impact of Spade’s absence. Furthermore, she addresses the misconceptions surrounding Spade’s death, emphasizing that it was not merely a result of her professional life or personal relationships. “A highly sensitive person, she felt things more deeply than most,” Arons observes, underscoring the need for deeper understanding of mental health issues, especially in the wake of public tragedies.

As Arons reflects on her friendship with Spade, she advocates for a more nuanced discussion about mental health and the pressures of public life. The memoir serves not only as a tribute to Spade's legacy but also as a call for compassion and understanding in addressing mental health struggles.

In conclusion, "We Might Just Make It After All" provides a heartfelt look into the life of Kate Spade, revealing both the brilliance of her designs and the personal struggles she faced behind the scenes. As Arons continues to honor her friend’s memory, she hopes to foster dialogue around the importance of mental health awareness and support, particularly for those in the public eye.