Podcast Summary: "All Of It" Featuring Elise Ahrens on Her Memoir about Kate Spade

Episode Information:

• Title: Frances Valentine Co-Founder Elise Ahrens Reflects on Her Friendship with Kate Spade
• Release Date: July 8, 2025
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Guest: Elise Ahrens, author of We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship With Kate Spade

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of "All Of It" on WNYC, host Alison Stewart welcomes Elise Ahrens, co-founder of Frances Valentine and author of the memoir We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship With Kate Spade. The conversation explores Elise's upbringing, her deep friendship with Kate Spade, the creation and evolution of their iconic fashion brand, and the personal challenges they faced together and individually.

Elise Ahrens' Background ([02:28] - [05:21])

Elise Ahrens opens up about her roots, revealing that she grew up on a farm in Kansas as one of four daughters. Despite residing in New York since 1986 and maintaining a sophisticated home in Long Island, Elise proudly identifies as a "farm girl." She shares how her agricultural upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a love for gardening and cooking, traits that have remained integral to her identity.

Elise Ahrens ([03:18]): "Waking up super early every day, I just have never been able to stop doing it."

Elise emphasizes the relentless work ethic learned on the farm, where chores were a daily necessity, shaping her approach to both personal and professional life.

Passion for Fashion and Early Influences ([03:53] - [05:02])

Elise credits her mother, an illustrator for local businesses and fashion publications, and her three older sisters for igniting her passion for fashion. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of design, vintage clothing, and craftsmanship.

Elise Ahrens ([04:51]): "I really have a love for all of those nostalgic pieces and who wore them and how they were made."

Her early experiences visiting vintage shops, though not commonly referred to as such at the time, fostered a deep appreciation for the artistry and stories behind each garment.

Meeting Katie Brozhan and the Birth of Kate Spade NYC ([05:02] - [07:23])

Elise recounts her college days at the University of Kansas, where she met Katie Brozhan, who would later become the renowned designer Kate Spade. Despite their contrasting styles—Elise in bold, eclectic fashion and Katie in preppy attire—their shared interests in journalism and admiration for the Mary Tyler Moore Show forged a strong bond.

Elise Ahrens ([05:47]): "She was the ultimate prankster and probably the funniest person I've ever met."

Their friendship quickly blossomed into a professional partnership, laying the foundation for what would become the multimillion-dollar Kate Spade NYC brand.

Legacy of Kate Spade ([07:38] - [09:20])

Elise discusses her motivation for writing her memoir, aiming to celebrate Kate Spade's vibrant personality and their enduring friendship rather than solely focusing on her tragic death.

Elise Ahrens ([07:45]): "There were so many great years in there where she's so inspiring and funny and wonderful that I wanted people to know the real her."

She highlights anecdotes that showcase Kate's authentic and playful nature, shedding light on the dimensions often overshadowed by her public image.

Challenges and Corporate Changes ([20:49] - [22:39])

The conversation shifts to the challenges faced during the growth of Kate Spade NYC. Elise shares her difficult experiences working at the China Club in New York, a male-dominated environment where she endured inappropriate behavior without rapport or support.

Elise Ahrens ([20:09]): "The China Club was the worst job I ever had."

As the company expanded and was eventually sold to Neiman Marcus and later Liz Claiborne, Elise reflects on the inevitable office politics and shifts in company culture that strained her relationships and the original vision.

Elise Ahrens ([22:34]): "It's office politics, which I never thought would happen in my own company."

Starting Frances Valentine ([22:39] - [24:32])

After stepping away from Kate Spade NYC, Elise took time to focus on her family and community involvement. In 2016, alongside Katie and their partner Pamela, Elise co-founded Frances Valentine, aiming to rekindle their passion for fashion with a fresh perspective.

Elise Ahrens ([23:24]): "Katie and I both missed fashion, and we missed creating and designing things."

Frances Valentine was launched with handbags and shoes, targeting women who appreciated joyful, confident designs—echoing the values that originally fueled Kate Spade NYC.

Personal Reflections and Literary Process ([25:11] - [26:50])

Elise delves into the emotional journey of writing her memoir, particularly the inclusion of a heartfelt letter from Katie. She describes the difficulty of reliving painful memories while striving to honor Katie's legacy authentically.

Elise Ahrens ([26:00]): "I wanted people to really authentically hear her voice."

Elise's candid storytelling offers readers an intimate glimpse into their friendship and the profound impact Katie had on her life both personally and professionally.

Listener Interaction: Sharon’s Story ([14:34] - [16:36])

During the episode, a listener named Sharon from Queens shares her admiration for Kate Spade as a symbol of strength in a male-dominated banking industry. She explains how owning Kate Spade bags was a personal milestone, representing achievement and empowerment.

Sharon ([14:43]): "This is a testimony to a beautiful woman who was probably an outstanding, outstanding lead in a male-dominated world."

Elise acknowledges the significance of such stories, noting how many women associated their personal successes with owning a Kate Spade bag.

Elise Ahrens ([16:36]): "It's about what that thing meant to them personally."

Business Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs ([25:11] - [25:52])

When asked to offer advice to listeners with entrepreneurial aspirations, Elise emphasizes the importance of gaining experience by working with admired companies, ensuring product uniqueness, and having the courage to pursue one's vision.

Elise Ahrens ([25:32]): "Work for companies you admire and learn how to do everything that they do."

She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in their chosen field, learn from established practices, and bring distinctive value to the market.

Unaddressed Topics and Personal Insights ([25:52] - [26:59])

Elise touches upon the deeply personal aspects of her memoir, particularly the inclusion of Katie's personal letter. She explains that this decision was pivotal in conveying Katie's true essence to readers.

Elise Ahrens ([26:50]): "It's because I wanted people to really authentically hear her voice."

This candid inclusion serves to humanize Katie, presenting her as more than just a successful designer but as a cherished friend with whom Elise shared a profound connection.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with reflections on the enduring legacy of Kate Spade and the lasting impact of Elise and Katie's friendship. Elise highlights that We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship With Kate Spade serves as both a personal memoir and a tribute to a beloved friend and business partner, offering readers an authentic and multifaceted portrayal of Kate Spade's life and their shared journey.

Elise Ahrens ([26:59]): "Thank you so much for having me."

Notable Quotes:

• Elise on Work Ethic: “We had to take care of our chores first. And they were seven days a week.” ([03:15])
• Elise on Authentic Storytelling: “There were so many great years in there where she's so inspiring and funny and wonderful that I wanted people to know the real her.” ([07:45])
• Elise on Entrepreneurial Advice: “Work for companies you admire and learn how to do everything that they do.” ([25:32])

This episode of "All Of It" provides a comprehensive and emotionally resonant look into the life of Elise Ahrens, her friendship with Kate Spade, and the creation of an enduring fashion legacy. Through personal anecdotes, professional insights, and heartfelt reflections, listeners gain a deep understanding of both the triumphs and tribulations that shaped their journey together.