The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Kate Spade left four seasons' worth of designs for Frances Valentine
The brand has been inundated with calls and emails since Spade's death
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kate Spade’s legacy and sense of style will live on through her label Frances Valentine - after her business partner revealed the designer left behind a year's worth of designs prior to passing away at the age of 55.
Elyce Arons, who founded Frances Valentine alongside Kate, her husband, Andy, and Paola Venturi told Business Insider the designer left them four seasons of completed, designed work, as well as an “abundant library of her concepts.”
“We don’t know what the future holds for us, but we are determined to continue to make her beautiful work live on through Frances Valentine. We will be stronger for her, more connected to each other through her,” Arons said by email.
Following the news of the late designer’s passing by suicide, the brand posted on social media: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and founder, Kate Valentine Spade, who will remain in our hearts forever.
Frances Valentine was Spade’s second label, founded in 2015 after the designer left Kate Spade New York in 2006 to spend more time with her 13-year-old daughter Frances Beatrix.
Spade’s dedication to the new brand was apparent - in addition to the designs she left behind, the late designer had changed her name to Kate Valentine.
Since Spade’s death on June 5, the retailer, which sells handbags and accessories, has been inundated with messages of love and sympathy - and purchases.
All 25 of the purses listed under new arrivals on the Frances Valentine website have since sold out and various other accessories on the website are also sold out as fans pay homage to Spade by wearing her designs.
And on social media, hundreds of people paid their respects to the designer by sharing photos of their first Kate Spade handbags and what the accessory meant to them.
“We have been inundated with calls and emails about product, but also about people’s emotional connection to Kate,” Arons said. “She was authentic and I think people sensed that and really felt close to her."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments