Share this Post
Elyce Arons’ new memoir remembers late designer Kate Spade.
The Kate Spade empire may bear only one name, but from its humble beginnings in a modest NYC apartment, there were always many minds behind the brand. In new memoir We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship With Kate Spade, company co-founder Elyce Arons looks back on her 35-year friendship with the late designer, the glitz and glam of ’90s New York, and the launch of what would become a global fashion house. Now, she’s bringing her story to Village District via a trunk show and book signing Oct. 2 at Kannon’s.
The 2025 Kansan of the Year met Spade (then Brosnahan) on their first day at the University of Kansas in 1981, and despite differences in style—Arons leaned funky street, while Spade played it preppy—the two were fast friends, bonding over a shared love of Mary Tyler Moore. Postgrad, both landed in NYC, eventually launching the chic, accessible fashion empire still beloved today.
Capturing those ~four decades of friendship, creativity and entrepreneurship in one book wasn’t easy: “I couldn’t,” admits Arons.
“I could probably write two more books, and it was difficult to edit because I wanted to add all the funny, colorful moments.” Her most memorable? When they laughed the hardest—the two were notorious pranksters.
“I think most people think about how she left us when they hear her name—not how she lived,” says Arons. “I want people to remember the richness of her life, and the joy she created for so many people.” Now, through Arons’ words, the bright and colorful Katy lives on.
Related Articles
Share this Post