Kate Spade's Best Friend Creates Tote Bag to Support Hope for Depression

Published: June 4, 2025

Kate Spade's best friend, Elyce Arons, has designed a special edition tote bag to support Hope for Depression, a charity that works towards researching and treating depression. The tote bag is part of Arons' accessory line, Frances Valentine, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the charity.

The tote bag is a celebration of Spade's iconic style and is part of Arons' new memoir, "We Might Just Make It After All," which tells the story of their friendship and the launch of their handbag and accessories line.

Arons, 62, says she wants to focus on the good and positive that Spade left in the world, and hopes that her book will lead to more empathy and understanding for those living with depression and other mental illnesses.

"I love the organization because they are working on research and committed to better understanding – and treating depression," Arons says. "And they give you the space to talk about it."

Remembering Kate Spade

Kate Spade died by suicide on June 5, 2018, at the age of 55. Arons has said that she misses her every day, but wants to focus on the good and positive that Spade left in the world.

The Book and Tote Bag

Arons' new memoir, "We Might Just Make It After All," is a celebration of her friendship with Spade and the launch of their handbag and accessories line. The book is available for preorder and will be on sale on June 17.

The special edition tote bag is part of the book launch and will be sold with 100% of the proceeds going to Hope for Depression.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988", text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or go to 988lifeline.org.

For more on Kate Spade and Elyce Arons, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE", on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.