Elyce Arons, co-founder of the iconic Kate Spade brand, has recently released a memoir, “We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade,” shedding light on her late friend’s struggles with fame, mental health, and friendships. Released by Simon & Schuster, the book offers a poignant account of the dynamic between Arons, Spade, and her husband Andy Spade—who played crucial roles in shaping a fashion empire while navigating the complexities of public life.
The Genesis of the Brand
Kate Spade, whose real name was Katherine Noel Brosnahan, became synonymous with stylish handbags that redefined luxury for the everyday consumer. However, the brand did not spring from a vacuum. Arons recounts how she and Spade first met as freshmen at the University of Kansas. Their friendship blossomed as they transferred to Arizona State University, where together they ignited the spark that would lead to a business collaboration with Andy Spade. The trio launched Kate Spade New York, which began from Spade’s New York apartment.
Arons recalls those early days with a mixture of nostalgia and realism. Starting from a shared dream, the consequences of their ambition soon revealed underlying struggles. “We were kind of crazy,” Arons writes, referencing a point where they partnered with local textile manufacturers to break into the handbag market. The brand began to gain traction, but Spade was reluctant to embrace her role as the face of that venture.
The Burden of Fame
One of the primary themes of Arons’ memoir is Spade’s complex relationship with fame and the public eye. While she possessed an undeniable charisma that made her the brand’s face, Spade was “miserable” with the expectations that accompanied celebrity. Despite understanding that her success was intertwined with her public persona, she remained apprehensive about being thrust into the spotlight.
Arons recounts, “Katy never wanted to be the public face of anything,” illustrating Spade’s natural introversion and discomfort with celebrity life. This tension became more pronounced during promotional tours for new product launches. Arons writes about a painful moment when Spade confronted her, expressing feelings of abandonment during a solo tour for their first perfume. “I feel abandoned by you. You guys got me into this. You should be doing this tour with me,” Spade said during a phone call. Those moments of vulnerability depicted in the memoir underline the struggles of a public figure battling inner turmoil.
Struggles with Mental Health
The memoir also addresses delicate issues such as depression and mental health, which Arons intimately details. For years, Spade had grappled with episodes of deep sadness. Arons sheds light on her friend’s journey toward seeking help through therapy, demonstrating Spade’s courageous fight against mental illness. “She was actively seeking help,” Arons reveals, emphasizing their candid discussions about depression and how it often overshadowed Spade’s dazzling public persona.
On the brink of their new venture, Frances Valentine, a shoe and accessory brand they founded after selling Kate Spade New York, Spade’s struggles became more prevalent, leading to her tragic passing in 2018. “Losing my best friend for life… was like losing your face in a mirror,” Arons reflects, revealing the depths of her grief. Her words evoke a sense of profound loss and highlight the complexities of their friendship against the backdrop of an unforgiving industry.
Intricate Relationships
Further enriching the memoir is Arons’ examination of Spade’s relationships—especially with her husband, Andy Spade. Though they were living apart at the time of her death, Andy described their relationship as filled with love, insisting they had merely needed a break. “We never even discussed divorce,” he stated, countering any superficial narratives around Spade’s mental health that may have suggested marital woes.
In her memoir, Arons defends the couple’s relationship, pushing back against easy assumptions and urging readers to understand Spade as a vibrant, sensitive individual rather than a mere statistic. “A highly sensitive person, she felt things more deeply than most,” Arons writes. Her sensitive nature was not lost on those who loved her and amplified the weight of her struggles.
An Ongoing Legacy
Despite the shadows cast by her struggles, Spade’s legacy continues to resonate. Kate Spade New York remains a recognized name, and the brand has been reborn after its transition to the parent company Tapestry. Arons’ memoir serves as a touching tribute to her friend while offering valuable insights into the toll of mental health issues in a high-pressure environment.
As more people turn to memoirs and personal narratives to understand the human experience, Arons’ book implores readers to reflect on the challenges faced by public figures, particularly those battling mental illness.
This memoir stands as a testament to the complexities of friendship, the burdens of fame, and the ongoing conversations surrounding mental health. By bringing these issues to light, Elyce Arons offers a thoughtful examination of her life with Spade, reminding us that behind the glamour lies a narrative of deep sentiments and struggles, ultimately inviting compassion and understanding for those in the public eye.
