Frances Valentine Launches Mary Tyler Moore-Inspired Fashion Collection

Frances Valentine is set to release a limited-edition fashion collection on September 29, inspired by the timeless style of television icon Mary Tyler Moore. The capsule collection, featuring 14 ready-to-wear pieces along with shoes and bags, draws directly from Moore's memorable costumes from the 1960s and 1970s, including styles seen on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." A portion of the proceeds from the collection will support the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative, an organization dedicated to advancing research and awareness for diabetes-related vision loss, a condition Moore herself experienced.

The collaboration was initiated by Dr. Robert Levine, Moore's widower, who reached out to Elyce Arons, co-founder of Frances Valentine. Arons, along with her late business partner Kate Spade, had long admired Moore, with "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" playing a significant role in their formative years and business aspirations. Arons described her initial contact with Levine as a dream come true.

Levine noted that many of Frances Valentine's existing designs already echoed Moore's aesthetic. He invited Arons and her design team to his home to view Moore's personal collection of designer clothing, including suits by Armani and gowns by Scaasi. Arons recalled the experience of trying on Moore's garments as feeling "like a princess."

Research for the collection involved Arons rewatching Moore's shows and studying photographs, particularly focusing on iconic pieces like the tam hat famously worn in the opening credits of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Recreating the hat required several samples to achieve the perfect design.

Levine also shared an anecdote about Moore's cropped cigarette pants, which she famously wore on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." According to Levine, CBS executives initially objected to the attire, concerned about the silhouette it revealed. These pants are featured in the new collection.

Arons expressed deep satisfaction with the collaboration, stating that if she could dream of any partnership, it would be with Mary Tyler Moore. She also noted the personal significance, believing her late friend Kate Spade would have greatly appreciated this venture. Levine conveyed his approval, saying, "I love it. It is Mary."

The collection is described as colorful and vintage-inflected, reflecting Moore's enduring influence on fashion and her role as a feminist icon. A second collection is already planned for Spring 2027.