Interview from Betty.
Exclusive: RHONY's Ramona Singer Dishes With Betty!
The reality star and designer talks about her new line, her inspirations and how she picks her TV outfits.
By:Brooke Sager/BettyConfidential’s multi-talented, fabulous intern
Ramona Singer of the Real Housewives of New York is unveiling her Fall jewelry line tonight on HSN! It’s a new twist for the designer; she’s incorporating new materials and like golds, exquisite woods, beautiful stones and tons of color. You’ll be tempted to buy it all. But don’t worry, everything is still affordable.
As Ramona puts it, “Whether you’re wearing jeans or a cocktail dress, my collection is designed for women who want the look of Madison Avenue and the red carpet without spending thousands of dollars.”
Tell us about your new jewelry line.
My signature has always been cuffs. I used to always do my cuffs in platinum, but this time I’m introducing wood and gold. For this season, I did this beautiful cuff in a special wood with a matching ring. I also did a cuff trimmed with onyx that looks like 14-carat gold. That one has matching earrings. I also did a lot of greens for fall. Believe it or not, colored jewelry works with everything—it makes any outfit pop. If you buy a beautiful blouse, you can’t wear that everyday. But a great piece of jewelry can accent a simple t-shirt in a fun way. Your attitude and how you feel just changes—I love jewelry!
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| Ramona Singer lapis, tanzanite, diamond, sterling and wood cuff ($649.90, hsn.com) |
How is your jewelry different from what’s already out there in the market?
My jewelry looks expensive, but it’s totally affordable. It’s good quality at the price of costume jewelry. I did smaller diamond hoops this season. They go with everything and look like they’re thousands of dollars. No one would ever know they’re only $299! Also, the stones I use look precious. In one piece, I used a pink topaz that looks exactly like a sapphire.
Does most of your jewelry come in sets?
A lot of it does, yes. But the beauty of it is, everything can be worn matchy-match or mixed up. It’s like clothing—you can buy the matching outfit, but wear it different ways. In this collection, I did some pieces with blue amethyst. They look great alone, but can also work with pieces from past collections.
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| Ramona Singer green jade and diamond sterling silver wrap necklace ($299.90, hsn.com) |
Do you have a favorite piece?
I love them all! They’re all like my children. Every day I wear something different. Today, I’m wearing my jade piece that can go from day into night. One of the great things about my jewelry is that it makes you feel very special and beautiful every day.
Who are your favorite designers?
I like anything with a sense of style. I especially love estate jewelry and deco jewelry because it looks just as good now as it will in 30 years. They’re investment pieces—you can pass it on to your children. I did I few little pieces inspired by a Fifth Avenue store that does floral and clover looks.
What made you want to get into the fashion industry, specifically jewelry design?
I’ve always been into fashion. I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and then went into jewelry with my husband (Mario Singer.) I have always loved jewelry, and I thought to myself, why can’t I create a line that is affordable for every woman in America?
What inspires you?
Mostly my travels and things that I see on people. I used a lot of green this season because I was recently in Africa—the colors there were so vibrant. That trip also made me want to experiment with wider cuffs and exotic woods. I also went to Capri, which inspired my huge pear shape ring and matching necklace.
What is it like to be on HSN?
HSN is a really great company. They’re so friendly and warm, I feel like I’m working for family. They’re fab and they love what they do—and to be successful in work, you must love what you do.
How is it different than the Real Housewives of New York?
Housewives looks for the drama. Then after you’re filmed, you don’t know how you’re being edited. HSN is totally professional, and I really enjoy dealing with a host who likes jewelry how much I do.
Do you get nervous on camera?
Nope. Sometimes I think I speak too much, and sometimes too little. It’s hard to gear that. I’m used to working when I don’t even know the cameras are there (on Housewives.) When I’m on HSN, looking directly at the cameras is hard. Sometimes I don’t even know where to look! I’m like, “which camera?!”
How do you pick your outfit for the HSN appearances?
I dress on HSN how I do in real life. I like wearing solid colors. Prints own you, and you need to be the one wearing the outfit! I’m kind of over black these days, though. I want to show people that it’s not only diamonds you can wear with color. If you’re in a purple dress, it’s fun to wear peridot or jade.
What do you do to prepare for your HSN show?
I talk to my jewelry! I look at each peace and caress it, because each one is my special creation.
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