See The Style Evolution of Bethenny Frankel

It's always fascinating to watch how a person's style changes over the years. With Real Housewives in particular, you can literally see how their hair, clothes, and makeup evolve from Season 1 to today. Bethenny Frankel is no exception. Her life has changed so dramatically over the years as she's gone from an entrepreneur trying to find success to a—in the wise words of NeNe Leakes—"very rich bitch." We spoke to Bethenny's personal stylist, Julia Kitziger (whom you can occasionally spot on The Real Housewives of New York City), about B's style and how she's helped shape it.

Bravotv.com: Can you explain how you and Bethenny started working together?

Julia Kitziger: I met Bethenny while I was the wardrobe assistant on the Bethenny show. When the show wrapped, I was lucky enough to join Bethenny’s personal team.  As viewers know [from watching Season 7 of RHONY], Bethenny was without a permanent home and, as a result, had limited access to her closet. I began coordinating Bethenny’s wardrobe while she was moving from place to place. We’ve worked closely over the last [few] years to edit and build an entirely new closet. Her style is constantly evolving.

Bravotv.com: What are some of your favorite looks that you’ve created for Bethenny?

JK: It’s hard to pick one, there have been so many amazing moments! I love Bethenny in [the label] Self Portrait—it’s the perfect hybrid of fierce and playful.

I also think we nailed her look for the launch of Skinnygirl Candy. Bethenny was all about wearing a red wig, so I paired that with an asymmetrical black and white Mugler jumpsuit with subtle cutouts and gunmetal accents that perfectly showcased the Skinnygirl colors. She wore Saint Laurent patent T-Strap heels and edgy Kristen Farrell jewels. To top it off, we had a custom designed Skinnygirl Candy Clutch. It was a moment.

Bravotv.com: What is most important to her when it comes to what she’s wearing?

JK: Bethenny is extremely hands on when picking her wardrobe and needs to feel like herself in whatever she is wearing. We are constantly communicating about different looks and items, but she has very specific taste and knows what she likes. She chooses and buys all her clothing. When Bethenny finds a piece she loves, I always work with her to complete it with a head to toe look.

Bravotv.com: Has there ever been a trend that you’ve tried pushing onto her that she refuses?

JK: It’s usually the other way around! Bethenny gets attached to the pieces that she purchases, and we have an archive area for the ones she can’t part with! When it comes to Bethenny’s style, we aren’t really focused on what is “on trend.” It is all about what she likes and what she feels good in.

Bravotv.com: What styles does she gravitate toward?

JK: Bethenny’s day-to-day style is easy and effortless—she loves a pair of boyfriend jeans, a tank, and a leather biker jacket. We like to turn it up for events. Bethenny is taking more and more fashion risks, but she gravitates towards fitted silhouettes. She has an amazing figure, so it’s important we complement that. We have worked hard together to create a style that represents who she is: a strong businesswoman with a “downtown chic” edge.

Bravotv.com: Who are some of your other favorite style stars?

JK: Style can only exist with a muse. Betty Catroux, David Bowie and Tilda Swinton are at the top of my list.