photo by: Submitted/Adam Ward

Elyce Arons

A former KU student who became a founder of an iconic brand in the fashion world, will be on the University of Kansas campus this month for the first time in more than 40 years.

Elyce Arons, co-founder of the Kate Spade brand, will be in Lawrence for a moderated discussion about entrepreneurship, and then participate in a book signing at 2 p.m. on Sept. 6 at the Burge Union

Arons — who grew up on a farm north of Wichita — came to KU in 1981 and met Katy Brosnahan in the dormitory of GSP Hall. The two became friends, moved to Arizona State University, and Brosnahan — who grew up in Kansas City — eventually married Andy Spade.

Brosnahan not only took his name in marriage but also used it in 1993 to launch Kate Spade New York, along with Andy Spade, Arons and another business partner. The company first became a top designer of women’s handbags before branching out to other products. The company eventually was bought by the Neiman Marcus Group.

Ten years after that sale, Arons and Spade formed a new company, Frances Valentine, that produces a variety of handbags, shoes and apparel. Arons continues to serve as the CEO of that company.

Arons also has been busy writing a book about her longtime friendship with Spade, who died in 2018. The book “We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade” came out in June.

Arons will talk about that relationship and lessons learned in starting two fashion businesses as part of a “fireside chat” event that is hosted by the University of Kansas School of Business and moderated by entrepreneurship expert and assistant KU professor Elizabeth Embry. A book signing will follow.

Arons plans to spend the weekend in Lawrence, including attending the KU vs Cincinnati football game and attending a 100th anniversary celebration for the local Chi Omega sorority house, of which Arons is a member.