Stephanie Pratt: A Master of Many Things

^{Reality television personalities come and go. From Kim Zolciak to Flavor Flav to Omarossa to Snookie, though some do manage to make a laudable comeback, most fade thankfully into obscurity rarely maintaining the celebrity traction that they once had. However, what can be said about most reality TV personalities, if they are smart, they can segue the 15 minutes of fame into something more tangible.}

^{Stephanie Pratt is one of the smart ones. Since appearing on “The Hills” in 2007 as a student majoring in fashion design, Pratt is still in the reality TV game, but instead of plying her trade in Tinseltown, Pratt continues her reality TV trajectory across the Big Pond in the land of dukes, lords, and Big Ben. And with her partnership with British jewelry brand MeMe London, Pratt has put to good use all that she learned in fashion school and in life.}

^{“I think what worked for me is that I never took things too seriously and I was very self-depreciating. I also have so much fun being on these reality television shows that my joy shines through,” explained Pratt. And her joy and realness continued to shine through in her Fashion Reverie interview. Though she has been in the UK for over three years, she still has her California ‘Valley Girl’ charm. No clipped British accent replacing the ‘Oh my God, totally’ banter like a certain pop star who made the move from Soho in New York City to Piccadilly Circus, Covent Gardens and Carnaby Street.}

^{This Monday “Made in Chelsea”—a UK version of “The Hills”—premieres its seventh season and Stephanie Pratt—her third season—with her Southern California charm continues to add that spark of American spontaneity to a cast that is long on the infamous British stiff upper lip but a bit shy of stateside insouciance. Pratt brings all of that American wholesomeness to the show. “The producers wanted an American presence on the show and decided they wanted to document my relationship with Josh Shepard and also follow an American who was trying to find her way and fit in. So, that is how it all evolved.”}

^{And evolution seems to be a key word in Stephanie Pratt’s world. At 29, she has evolved past battles with substance abuse and bulimia, as well as what could be called the Southern California archetype of a mall girl whose style choices don’t go much beyond colorful, casual, Baja-inspired garments that reflect a laidback lifestyle. “In London, fashionable girls were heels a lot as opposed to running around in flats like LA fashionistas. In LA, I always wore a lot of denim from denim jackets to jeans and cutoffs. Now that I am bicoastal, I kind of combine the two worlds, say a denim jacket and skirt with heels,” says Pratt.}

^{Still, the most significant transformation for Pratt is her collaboration with MeMe London. “I was asked to design a charm bracelet for MeMe London for the Little Princess Trust charity. Given my busy schedule, I had the option to be as involved in the process as I wanted to be. My cherry charm bracelet was a big hit in the UK and as I became involved in other projects with MeMe London, I realized that this brand needed a US presence. So, now I am helping the brand launch in LA this week,” details Pratt. “There is something for everyone’s personality at MeMe London. The jewelry items in the collection finish off any outfit, and the price points are really affordable.”}

^{That said; in an oversaturated accessories market, MeMe London needs someone with a media presence to get the ball rolling in the US. And Pratt is just the type of media savvy celeb to do it. She has lasted almost ten years in the revolving door world of reality television. And though she has had her share of life challenges, her effervescence and charm has not been tempered by the trials of living her personal and professional life in front of the camera.}

^{What’s next for Stephanie Pratt? Hmm, let’s see, a book launch next week, a continued presence on “MIC,” and a co-partnership in a hot new jewelry line. Seems like Stephanie’s dance card is pretty full. We should all be so lucky!!}

^{—William S. Gooch}