Sonja Feels the "Rug Has Been Pulled Out from Under" Her After Century 21 Closure
The Real Housewives of New York City fashion designer, who debuted her line at the retailer, reacts to the news of its bankruptcy.
During Season 12 of The Real Housewives of New York City, viewers saw Sonja Morgan achieve a major coup in her fashion career: The Sonja by Sonja Morgan designer inked a deal with legendary retailer Century 21. It was a shining moment for Sonja — literally! — when she stepped out to celebrate the collaboration in a glittering gown. (Peep the clip above to relive the moment, which took place last December.)
By September, however, the department store had announced that it was planning to shutter all 13 of its stores after filing for bankruptcy. Sonja shared her reaction to the news with Page Six, telling the publication: "I found a family there and a home for my collection. All these years I was looking for the right place.”
She added that it felt like the "rug has been pulled out from under" her. Sonja said she had initially turned down other retailers for her line, but "felt safe" with Century 21.
Along with providing a home for Sonja's affordable designs, the store had offered her a heartwarming role. "I was going to be Chief Lifestyle Officer taking people on shopping sprees. Helping people who have gone through a hard time before the pandemic," Sonja shared.
She added that the sprees would have helped "people transition through hard times in their life,” and might have included piecing together wardrobes for people who wanted to “get a leg up on a job interview,” or for shoppers who were “going through a sex change, coming out, or coming back from the military.”
"I was going to be helping people at this point in my life — that’s what I was looking forward to." Sonja said. "It was going to be soul food to make me feel better on a day-to-day level. It was not just about raising millions. I was just going to go on a day-to-day level with Century 21, and help people with a $500 shopping spree."
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