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The Real Housewives castmembers have always dipped their toes in fashion — there's Lauren Manzo's beauty bar Cafface (get it?), Heather's Yummie shapewear, and, of course, the exquisite outfits of the Real Housewives of Orange County's earlier seasons. Shockingly, not all of their ventures have survived. Sonja Morgan's fashion line, Sonja Morgan New York, is an exception. Not only does it still exists, it was actually on display during New York Fashion Week last February.
Last night at the season eight premiere party, which Morgan co-hosted with Ramona Singer at Beautique in NYC, Racked caught up with the reality star–turned–designer. A guest wearing Morgan's black tuxedo open-front jacket had just approached: "My daughter has it, Bethenny has it, Carole has that jacket," Morgan said, explaining its popularity. The rest of the interview continues below.
Is that your best-selling item?
The best-selling is the jogging pant and the open-front jumpsuit with the tuxedo lapel, which is signature for me.
Are you planning to do NYFW again?
Yes, I hope to hell! I'm lucky to have the first collection come out so well. I expected problems; I didn't expect to do so well. So now I want to just slowly approach the second collection to make sure ... I don't know that I can out-do the first collection, but I don't want to screw it up!
When you're designing, what kind of customer do you have in mind?
My idols are Chanel, Valentino, Ralph Lauren — classics, but sexy.
How would you describe your ideal customer? Is it someone like you?
Someone like me? That's a tall order. I'm a bit strange. I'm an eccentric. I would say my customer is someone who wants a value but loves luxury. So, affordably luxury. But what is that? My gowns are $1,200, but Lanvin's would be $3,000. My shorts are $200, but you'll always have them.
Is there anything you wear this season you're really excited for us to see?
Every piece I have.