It’s a new era atFrances Valentine, the label Kate Spade launched in 2016.
WhileAndy has relocated to California with Bea, he still continues to work on the line, which was named after their daughter. “We talk several times a week, and we want to make sure he has lots of time to take care of his daughter,” says Arons. “Right now the place they need to be is together.”
Angela Pham/BFAnyc.com/REX/Shutterstock
RELATED PHOTOS:Kate Spade’s Celebrity Fans and Most Memorable Pop Culture Moments
Arons also keeps Bea connected to the label that shares her first name. Inside the brand’s pop-up storeon Madison Avenue, which opened in November, fans share their memories of the designer and pen notes to Bea in a red journal that sits on a table, which Arons then sends along to Bea. “You are blessed to be the daughter of a beautiful spirit,” one entry says. “Although I never met your mom, her radiance and legacy will live on,” says another.
Plus, Arons says Kate is still with her everyday as she creates the pieces that have the designer’s signature touch — colorful accessories that feature a hint of whimsical touches. “Katy designed this line, and will continue to,” says Arons.
“Her aesthetic is within everything we do,” says Arons. “I think of Katy with every decision that we make. I’m probably harder on making decisions than I ever was because I always have to think, ‘How would she think, too?’ I have to hear her voice. I think we’ve been very true to it, and sticking to the brand and how it was created in the first place.”
The founders therefore wanted to make the collection for spring, which Arons says was Kate’s favorite season, particularly meaningful for the brand.
Maggie Cepis for Frances Valentine
First, for theirspring campaign, they cast Rachel Brosnahan, theaward-winning starofThe Marvelous Mrs. Maiselas its star, who is not only one of the brand’s most loyal supporters, but also the niece of the designer.
Frances Valentine bags.Courtesy of Frances Valentine
Then, theentire spring collection is a tribute to the designer.
Itslineup of colorful bagsperfectly reflects Kate’s vision. There’s agreen-and-pink plaid stylethat Kate hand-picked before she died. There’s alsoa racer-stripe, a design Kate called timeless, as well asa “Midge” style, which is named after her niece Rachel Brosnahan’s beloved character onThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.“Katy loved color,” says Arons. “She was not afraid of it.”
Kate was also known for her flashy footwear, and this spring’s lineup features bejeweled flats — “she would have worn these in yellow,” says Arons of the Victoria sandal pictured below — and embellished Mary-Janes, which was Kate’s favorite style.
The personal touches in the Frances Valentine spring collection.Courtesy of Frances Valentine
(All items pictured are available onfrancesvalentine.com.)
Finally,the pop-up shopserves as a place where Kate Spade’s fans can flock to and feel like their inside the late designer’s exceptionally stylish closet. It’s filled with items in every shade of Kate’s beloved rainbow, and there is a wall of personal photos with family and friends in the back. There is also a journal where people can leave their messages for the designer. “Kate, you changed my life forever,” one note says. “I truly treasure all things Kate. I will continue to live colorfully with Kate in my heart,” says another.
Inside the Frances Valentine pop-up shop on Madison Avenue.Courtesy of Frances Valentine
“I feel her every time I’m in the store,” says Arons. “She has been a part of my life for so long, I just feel like she’s next to me all the time.”
While this spring may mark a new beginning for Spade’s Frances Valentine label, her closest friends, family and fashion partners say it’s just the start of how they’re continuing to honor the industry icon.
“She doesn’t have to be lost,” says Arons. “I can’t call her at 3:30 in the morning anymore. But there is a renewed energy that’s keeping her spirit alive.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273- TALK (8255), text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
