NEW YORK,2025-06-17 17:23:00
Style Secrets From a Fashion Icon
Elyce Arons shares insights into building the Kate Spade brand and offers timeless fashion advice.
- Arons co-created the Kate Spade brand with Kate Spade.
- The pair found inspiration in vintage shopping.
- Arons’s advice centers around classic,versatile pieces.
Elyce Arons, co-founder of Frances Valentine, recently discussed her late friend and business partner Kate Spade, sharing style advice they exchanged while building their iconic brand. This conversation happened in celebration of Arons’s memoir, “We Might Just Make It After All.” The pair’s mutual love of vintage finds and a timeless sense of style helped propel the Kate Spade brand to success.
Arons, who worked alongside Spade before the designer’s death in June 2018 at the age of 55, reflected on the fashion advice they shared. The two women, though having initially differing styles, eventually melded their fashion senses together to create a signature brand identity. Arons noted, “Our personal style wasn’t always aligned, especially when we first met. Katy had a much more conventional,preppy style,and mine was more trend-driven,and always trying to emulate the latest looks in magazines.”
The duo’s journey involved a shared love for vintage shopping, searching for treasures they both appreciated. Arons said, “it was fun to learn from each other. … We truly found the most inspiration from vintage and really bonded over our love of vintage shopping and searching for treasures we both appreciated and could afford.”
Spade’s preferences leaned toward pieces that were “colorful and joy-sparking,” whether vintage or new, always valuing excellent design and quality. They would imagine the history behind each item, which helped create a unique voice for their brand. Some of the style icons that influenced their brand included Mary Tyler Moore, Ali McGraw, Kathryn Hepburn, and Jackie Onassis, before A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Mindy Kaling, and taylor Swift were seen in their designs.
Arons emphasizes the importance of vintage pieces. She offers advice for those seeking to find their own style. The best way to find your style is to start with vintage pieces. Buying a Kate Spade bag became a rite of passage for many young women starting their careers. The original purses from the 1990s still hold up today.
“One of my biggest pieces of advice for young people who are trying to find their style is to start with vintage. …A fun, colorful handbag, a summer basket bag, kitten heels, Mary Jane flats, and loads of costume jewellery for layering,” she suggests.
What are some style staples? Arons recommends,”A crisp white shirt – or 10 – a pair of black cigarette pants – or 3 – a go-to swing coat,trench,or jacket in a fun print or color,a grate fitting pair of jeans,and a fabulous dress that makes you feel like a million bucks.”
- Crisp white shirt(s)
- Black cigarette pants
- Swing coat, trench, or jacket
- Well-fitting jeans
- Fabulous dress
Kate MiddletonS Evolving Style: Beyond the Brand
The enduring influence of style icons like Kate Spade and Elyce Arons extends beyond the brand’s signature aesthetic, especially as it mirrors the evolving public roles of women like Catherine, Princess of Wales. While the original article focuses on the Kate Spade brand and timeless style advice, let’s shift our attention to explore another prominent “kate” in the public eye and her impact.
Catherine, Princess of Wales-often referred to as Kate Middleton-has faced immense public scrutiny over the years. [[1]] As a member of the British Royal Family, her role demands specific sartorial choices that reflect her position and the occasions she attends. This includes everything from formal gowns to casual ensembles, each carefully selected to project a particular image.
The Princess’s health journey has brought even greater attention to her public image. Now, she is reportedly entering a “summer of strength” focused on healing, family time, and select engagements [[2]].
What role does Kate Middleton’s clothing play in her public persona? Her clothing choices are carefully considered and contribute to her overall image, reflecting both tradition and personality. Consider her ability to balance her duties, image, and health concerns
How has the Princess of Wales’s style evolved over time? The Princess’s style has evolved from more trend-driven choices to a more classic and polished look, demonstrating her comfort in her royal role. She has incorporated many of the same style staples recommended by Arons, such as a crisp white shirt and well-fitting jeans.
here are some key shifts in the Princess’s style over the years:
- Early Years: In the early days of her relationship wiht Prince William and after their marriage, Middleton’s style was frequently enough described as more youthful and trendy. She embraced high-street brands and incorporated current fashion trends.
- Royal Transition: As she became a more prominent member of the Royal Family, Middleton’s style evolved to be more classic and polished.She began to favor tailored silhouettes, elegant dresses, and sophisticated coats.
- Influence of Designers: Middleton’s style has been influenced by designers like Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker, and Jenny Packham. These designers have helped her create a wardrobe that balances formality and elegance.
- Lasting Choices: The Princess is known for her commitment to sustainable fashion; she re-wears items and has championed eco-kind fashion brands.
Beyond her fashion choices, the Princess’s roles include her patronages and causes. She is known for focusing on early childhood advancement and mental health awareness, often highlighting her support in her public appearances.Her visibility in these areas underscores how a public figure’s wardrobe choices can complement her larger role.
The strategic use of fashion allows her to connect with the public.Her outfits at notable public engagements are designed to reinforce her image as a relatable and respected figure. This careful consideration of appearances creates a sense of continuity and trust with the public.
Understanding the Princess of Wales’s evolving style, from her initial introduction to the Royal Family to her current position, emphasizes how public personas utilize fashion to tell stories and connect with audiences.
Further reading: Explore the history of royal fashion and its impact on public perception. Research the specific designers that the Princess of Wales favors and the influence of their creations.
