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The Daily Dish Bravo Rewind

RHONY's Kristen Taekman Is Coming Back to Bravo — Here's What She's Done Since

We're taking a (canoe) trip down memory lane to look back at Kristen Taekman's time with The Real Housewives New York City.

By Jax Miller

The OGs of New York City are taking Saint Barthélemy by storm for the fifth installment of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, and we can’t guarantee it will all be smooth sailing … or canoeing, for that matter. 

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of New York City on Peacock and catch up on the Bravo app

Included in the cast is a Real Housewife audiences haven't seen on Bravo in a bit: Kristen Taekman. Here's everything you need to know about who Kristen Taekman is, what she did on The Real Housewives of New York City, and everything she's done since.

Who Is Kristen Taekman? Recap of RHONY

Kristen Taekman attends the Playing For Change 2023 Impact Awards

Connecticut-born fashion model Kristen Taekman was cast in Seasons 6 and 7 of The Real Housewives of New York City. RHONY fans might recall what’s become known as Season 6’s #WineGate, when Kristen and  Ramona Singer went head-to-head during a wine-fueled canoeing trip in the Berkshires.

RELATED: Why New RHONY Housewife Sai De Silva Says Fashion Blogging "Sort of Fell into My Lap"

While swimming in the lake, Kristen playfully splashed Ramona upon hearing Ramona gossiping about her. Ramona reacted to her hair getting wet by tossing a wine glass at Kristen’s face.

In October 2015, after just two seasons, Kristen announced her departure from the series.

“My experience during my time on RHONY was fantastic, and I made some great new friends,” she said. “At this time in my life, I have decided to concentrate on my family and my new business ventures Pop of Color nail polish and Last Night’s Look, my fashion blog. I will remain a Housewife and part of an amazing franchise forever, and that is what is important.”

What Has Kristen Taekman Done Since RHONY? Does Pop of Color Still Exist?

Kristen Taekman La Move

Kristen was a successful businesswoman before and after Real Housewives of New York City.

The fashion-forward entrepreneur made her living first as a model, having appeared in editorials by the likes of Australian Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour.

In 2009, she founded 2nd Street Press, once home to a line of high-end greeting cards.

One of Kristen’s more successful endeavors was Pop of Color nail polishes, which Kristen created in partnership with Ricky’s NYC. Colors included the Elvis-inspired “Blue Moon” and “Pajamas,” as noted in a PopSugar interview with Kristen, with the vegan, cruelty-free brand expanding into matte lip wear.

The business no longer seems to be in operation since Ricky’s NYC closed its doors in 2020.

RELATED: RHONY Season 14 Newcomers Jenna Lyons and Erin Lichy Open Up About Joining the Show

Kristen continued drawing fans to her popular fashion and lifestyle blog, Last Night’s Look, though things have been quiet on that front since October 2022.

Kristen has remained super active on Instagram, however, with recent posts showcasing her partnership with Clinical Skin, a stunning look for the Playing for Change Foundation’s charitable gala, and sightseeing in San Francisco via Volkswagen Bus for some quality time with her family.

Kristen shares two children with EBOOST co-founder Josh Taekman.

Kristen Featured in RHUGT: RHONY Legacy Lineup

Rhony Legacy cast at the NBC 2023 Upfronts.

The former RHONY cast member recently announced she would join Ramona, Sonja Morgan, Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley, and Kelly Killoren Bensimon for Season 5 of Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, pegged as RHONY Legacy.

Exciting news of the lineup came on Monday, May 15, during NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation.

The new season will bring some of the ladies back to Saline Beach in Saint Barthélemy. Few RHONY fans could forget their trip in Season 5 — it was when rumors swirled around Luann and Tomas, the Johnny Depp-lookalike pirate.

“And just like that, after eight years, I’m back!” Kristen wrote on her Facebook page with a few red apple emojis. “Reunited with the OGs for RHONY Legacy Girls’ Trip!”  

Where to Catch Up

The first three episodes of Season 5 of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip will drop Thursday, December 14, on Peacock, with new episodes released weekly. Seasons 1, 2, and 3 are now available to stream on Peacock.

Fans can catch up on Season 14 of The Real Housewives of New York City on the Bravo App and Peacock.

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