How Sutton Stracke Went From New York Dancer to L.A. Boutique Owner
Sutton Stracke danced her way to The Big Apple, but ultimately decided she was more comfortable off-stage before finding her footing in fashion with the opening of her own boutique and sustainable fashion company.
It’s always been all about art for Sutton Stracke.
Whether it was starting as a dancer and choreographer, managing an acclaimed New York dance studio or opening her own West Hollywood boutique filled with one of a kind pieces, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills castmate has been a supporter of the arts for most of her life.
Her latest career adventure is the sustainable fashion company, Sutton Brands, which has the Southern belle seeking new ways art and fashion collide with functionality.
“Sutton Brands pairs celebrities with a custom sustainable collection that showcases their unique aesthetic, while being eco-friendly to our planet,” she explained on Instagram.
Sutton Brands first sustainable curator is someone all too familiar with the Real Housewives universe: Sutton’s bestie and The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Cynthia Bailey. Cynthia has teamed with Sutton Brands to promote her new sustainable bedding line, Cynthia Bailey’s Collection.
“Such a great night celebrating @cynthiabailey and her new #sustainable line Cynthia Bailey’s Collection, with @suttonbrands in #newyorkcity and we invited a few friends…” Sutton gushed on Instagram in September. “Stay tuned for more great things to come!”
Sutton’s career is clearly in full-swing, but just where did the Augusta, Georgia native get her start?
Sutton Stracke’s Career in the Dance World
Sutton previously told The Daily Dish that she once dreamed of being a dancer and choreographer and headed to the Big Apple to make her dream come true. The former debutante studied for a year with renowned choreographer José Limón and was invited to audition for the José Limón Dance Company, but then had a change of heart.
Instead of excelling on stage, Sutton took a job behind the curtain as the studio manager for Merce Cunningham.
“I did choreograph some things after that, but I just didn’t want to be on the stage,” she said. “That’s why it’s so ironic that I'm now on television screens. What happened? I don’t know. I got stage fright at that moment in my life, and here I am."
After working her way up to the Cunningham Dance Foundations Director of Development, Sutton returned home to Georgia to assume the role of Executive Director for Augusta Ballet, according to her bio.
When did Sutton Stracke join The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?
By 2020, Sutton was living in Los Angeles and joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in the 10th Season as a friend of the cast. She became a full cast member the next season.
"It’s so exciting," Sutton told Bravo Insider of becoming a diamond holder. "It is such an honor, and I'm so happy that, you know, it came to fruition."
RELATED: Sutton Stracke Just Teased an Epic Business Partnership with Denise Richards
Sutton Stracke Launches Concept Boutique
When she isn’t hanging with the other ‘Wives, Sutton can be found at her “home away from home,” her West Hollywood concept boutique aptly named Sutton.
The shop, which celebrated its fourth anniversary in September, is a curated spot where Sutton can bring together her favorite items, many of which came from her inner circle.
“I wanted to bring all of my friends together,” she told BravoTV.com. “They’re designers, jewelry designers, artists, everything, and I wanted them all in one place.”
The store is a mix of rare vintage finds and exclusive modern pieces.
“Come in, have a glass of champagne, hang out, it’s an experience,” Sutton explained. “That’s kind of the vibe I was going for.”
Sutton Stracke Goes Green in New Fashion Company
The boutique isn’t the only way Sutton plans to make her mark on the fashion industry. She’s also using her artistic skills to make the planet a better place with her sustainable new fashion company, Sutton Brands.
“I think we don’t realize how much fashion is injuring our planet,” Sutton told Us Weekly. “So, I thought, ‘How can I be a part of the solution and not be a part of the problem?’ We all know I love fashion, so my business partner and I created a new business called Sutton Brands. It’s a circular fashion house.”
The company will focus on recycling and repurposing items rather than sending more waste to the landfill.
Sutton plans to gain traction with the company through celebrity partnerships, like the one she recently launched with Cynthia.
“I think now, when I buy something, I think in a very sustainable way,” she said. “I’m not going to just give it up. I’m going to pass it down to my daughter.”
For more on Sutton's fashion endeavors, stay tuned for Season 13 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The new season premieres Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 8/7c on Bravo. Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.
