How this Andre’s Valentine collaboration celebrates the friendship that sparked Kate Spade
January 15, 2025 | Joyce Smith
The favorite hometown chocolate of one Kansas City’s best-known fashion designers and entrepreneurs serves as just one ingredient in a new Valentine’s Day collaboration from André’s Confiserie Suisse.
Elyce Arons and Kate Spade, Frances Valentine; courtesy photo
The local chocolatier just rolled out a limited edition line alongside Frances Valentine to mark the holiday, as well as celebrate the friendship between Elyce Arons and the late Kate Spade.
Arons and Spade were college best friends who went on to start fashion brand Kate Spade with two others. In 2016, they launched Frances Valentine, a vintage-inspired women’s clothing and accessories retailer with nine locations in shopping destinations across the U.S.
“My best friend, Katy Spade, used to buy all of her chocolates [from André’s] for her friends and family,” Arons said of the designer who made it big in New York City with her namesake fashion house, which was purchased in 2017 by Coach.
“Just like our clothing and accessories, André’s chocolates are crafted with heart and soul. Each bite is meant to spark joy, create connections, and boost your mood — a story of love passed down from one generation to the next,” Frances Valentine said in a release. “So when you open a box, it’s not just chocolate you’re unwrapping — it’s a little piece of happiness, ready to make you smile.”
The limited edition Andre’s collaboration, Frances Valentine Feuilletine Crunch Bâtons ($9) and Frances Valentine Milk & Dark Chocolate Almonds ($20.25), are decorated with the company’s signature peony print, honoring their friendship.
“It makes it extra special,” Arons said of the colorful chocolate print.
Click here to shop Andre’s online.
The line is available at the Andre’s locations at 5018 Main St. in the South Plaza, and at Hawthorne Plaza, 4929 W. 119th St., Overland Park, as well as the nine Frances Valentine stores.
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Startland News contributor Joyce Smith covered local restaurants and retail for nearly 40 years with The Kansas City Star. Click here to follow her on Bluesky, here for X (formerly Twitter), here for Facebook, here for Instagram, and by following #joyceinkc on Threads.
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