Seven years after the tragic death of fashion icon Kate Spade, her close friend and business partner Elyce Arons tells the story behind the name in a new memoir, We Just Might Make It After All, out June 17. The book is a poignant reflection on friendship, ambition, grief, and the bonds that shaped one of American fashion’s most beloved brands.
Kate Spade, born Katherine Brosnahan, died by suicide in her New York City apartment on June 5, 2018. Her death shocked the fashion world and left many reflecting on the legacy of her joyfully colorful designs.
For Arons, it marked the loss of a close friend who had been by her side since the two met as freshmen at the University of Kansas.
As time went on, their bond grew stronger. Kate met her future husband, Andy Spade, after transferring to Arizona State University. The two then moved to New York City to pursue careers in fashion and media.
Kate worked at Mademoiselle and Alice worked in marketing. In 1993, they joined forces with Andy Spade and Pamela Bell to launch what would become Kate Spade. Kate designed, Alice handled marketing and development, Andy led creative direction, and Bell handled production.
Originally invented as a solution to Kate’s handbag annoyance during a fashion shoot, the product has become a global phenomenon. This memoir delves into the rise of the brand and the unsung friendships and creativity that fueled it.
In an exclusive excerpt shared with PEOPLE, Aarons details those early days and her friend’s enduring spirit. We Shall Make It celebrates Kate Spade’s legacy while also offering a moving portrait of the woman who inspired millions—and the friend she knew best.