If you walked into a department store today and saw a bag with a little spade logo, you’d probably think of the woman who started it all. Most people do. But there’s a catch. The woman behind that name hadn't actually designed a bag for that company in nearly twenty years.
Instead, she was building something else. Something quieter. Something she called her "second act."
Frances Valentine isn't just another fashion label. It's the real ending—and beginning—of the Kate Spade story. Honestly, it’s the brand most people are actually looking for when they say they miss the "old" Kate.
The Name Change That Confused Everyone
Back in 2016, a few years before she passed away, Kate made a move that felt like a plot twist in a movie. She legally changed her name to Kate Valentine Spade.
Why? Because she didn't own "Kate Spade" anymore.
Imagine building a multi-billion dollar empire with your own name on the door, then selling it, walking away, and realizing you can’t even use your own signature on a new business. That’s the reality of the fashion world. When Kate and her husband Andy Spade sold their original company to Neiman Marcus (and eventually it landed with Tapestry, Inc.), they lost the rights to the name.
So, she created Frances Valentine.
The name wasn't just pulled out of a hat. Frances is a family name from her father’s side, and Valentine was her mother’s father’s middle name. It was also her daughter’s middle name. It felt personal because it was personal. This wasn't a corporate rebranding exercise; it was a woman reclaiming her creative soul after a long hiatus.
What’s the Vibe?
If you remember those boxy nylon bags from the 90s, you know the aesthetic. But Frances Valentine is a bit different. It's like the original Kate Spade grew up, went to more gallery openings, and stopped caring about being "on trend."
📖 Related: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
- Architectural Heels: One of Kate’s first obsessions for the new brand was a "geodesic dome" heel inspired by Buckminster Fuller.
- The "Kate" Bag: A tribute piece that looks like the classic silhouettes she loved.
- Mood-Boosting Colors: Think kelly green, vibrant orange, and prints that look like they were pulled from a 1960s Slim Aarons photograph.
Why Frances Valentine is Still Winning in 2026
Fashion brands usually die when the visionary founder is gone. But under the leadership of Elyce Arons, Kate’s best friend since their freshman year at the University of Kansas, Frances Valentine has actually flourished.
Arons didn't just keep the lights on. She turned it into a full lifestyle brand.
Today, they aren't just doing shoes and bags. They’ve moved into apparel, jewelry, and even home goods. The strategy is fascinating because it completely ignores the "fast fashion" cycle. They aren't trying to be Zara. They aren't even trying to be the current Kate Spade New York.
They are leaning into nostalgia.
You've probably noticed that "Coastal Grandmother" and "Grandmillennial" styles have been everywhere. Frances Valentine was doing that before it had a hashtag. It’s that specific look: a crisp white shirt, a vintage-inspired cardigan, and a bag that doesn't scream "I cost two months' rent."
The Secret Success Factor: Scarcity
You won't find Frances Valentine in every suburban mall. They’ve stayed lean. With only about nine or ten standalone stores—mostly in places like Palm Beach, Dallas, and Sag Harbor—they’ve maintained a "boutique" feel.
It feels like a discovery.
Most of their business is actually direct-to-consumer (e-commerce). Arons has been vocal about how much the industry changed while they were on their ten-year break. When they started the first company, there was no Instagram. No influencers. Now, that’s where the brand lives.
👉 See also: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
The "We Might Just Make It After All" Era
In late 2025 and moving into 2026, the brand has seen a massive surge in interest. Part of this is due to Elyce Arons’ memoir, We Might Just Make It After All.
It’s a tribute to a friendship that spanned decades.
The book title is a nod to the Mary Tyler Moore show—a show both Kate and Elyce loved. It’s that "girl in the big city" optimism. The brand recently launched a Fall 2026 capsule collection inspired by Mary Tyler Moore’s characters, Laura Petrie and Mary Richards.
It’s exactly what Kate would have wanted: clothing that makes you smile.
How to Tell the Difference: Original vs. Frances Valentine
If you're looking to invest in a piece, here is how the two brands actually stack up right now.
Kate Spade New York (The Corporate Brand):
It’s owned by Tapestry (who also owns Coach). It’s huge. The bags are often made of Saffiano leather (that cross-hatch texture that’s very durable but feels a bit like plastic). It’s very "preppy" and leans heavily into the spade logo.
Frances Valentine (The Legacy Brand):
It’s independent. The production is smaller, often using Italian and Spanish leathers. The aesthetic is more "bohemian-preppy." Instead of a spade, you’ll often see a freehand "circle" logo or the F.V. monogram.
Honestly, the quality at Frances Valentine feels more like the early 90s Kate Spade pieces that people still hunt for on eBay. It's sturdier. It feels more "designer" and less "outlet mall."
✨ Don't miss: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
Is it worth the price?
Look, $400 for a dress or $350 for a bag isn't "cheap." But in the world of "luxury," it’s the sweet spot. They call it "accessible luxury."
You’re paying for the fact that these pieces don't go out of style in six months. A wicker basket bag from Frances Valentine is going to look just as good in 2030 as it does today. That was always Kate's superpower—creating things that were "timeless" without being "boring."
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Frances Valentine is a "replacement" brand. It’s not. It’s a continuation.
When Kate Spade (the person) started this company, she wasn't trying to compete with her old self. She was trying to create things she actually wanted to wear as a woman in her 50s. She wanted flats that didn't hurt. She wanted bags that could hold a book and a pair of glasses.
It was fashion for real life, not just for the runway.
How to Shop Like a Pro
If you want to get into the Frances Valentine world without breaking the bank, here is the move:
- Watch the "Warehouse Sales": They run these a couple of times a year. You can often find samples or past-season colors for 60-75% off.
- Check the "Love, Katy" Collection: These are specific pieces recreated from Kate’s personal vintage wardrobe. They are the heart of the brand.
- The "Kate" Bag: If you only buy one thing, get the namesake bag. It’s the closest thing you’ll find to the original 1993 silhouette that changed fashion forever.
- Follow the Journal: Their website has a "Journal" section where Elyce Arons shares style tips. It’s less like a sales pitch and more like getting advice from a very chic aunt.
The reality is that "Kate Spade" as a name belongs to a corporation. But the spirit of the woman who changed how we carry our things? That lives at Frances Valentine.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe
Start by looking for silhouettes rather than logos. If you're tired of the "cookie-cutter" look of mass-market luxury, check out the current Frances Valentine digital catalog. Focus on one "mood-boosting" piece—like a bright scarf or a patterned tote—to see how it changes your morning routine. Most fans find that once they buy one piece, the "original" bags in their closet start to feel a little too quiet.