Lea Black is an original cast member of “Real Housewives of Miami.” Two seasons of the show have aired, and it remains a popular show, continually garnering high ratings. Black has many fans that are excited for the future, and are hoping to see her return if a third season is confirmed. Apart from being a part of the show, Lea Black has enjoyed much success throughout her career. The star has released a line of handbags, and new Hollywood inspired vintage handbags have been released as well.
There are three new collections available: Vintage, Hollywood, and IceBox. The IceBox style is fully encrusted with crystal, includes a signature tassel and is available for $345. The Hollywood bags are heart shaped and feature a crystal and bead design with a signature tassel and retail for $295. The Vintage bags retail for $245 and feature a crystal encrusted front panel with a signature tassel. Blacks handbags are available exclusively via leablackhandbags.com, and theworldofleablack.com. Lea Black’s beauty brand, including her new skincare line is available as well. The new bags are certain to appeal to fans and fashionistas alike.
Lea Black was interviewed by Examiner.com. She discussed being a part of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Miami,” the new handbag collections, and Blacks’ Annual Gala that will take place in April.
Katrina-Kasey Wheeler: What has it been like to be a part of the "Real Housewives of Miami" franchise?
Lea Black: It’s been a learning experience. Good times, not so good times, happy moments, sad moments, fun times, boring times (lol) and once in a while, meaningful conversations, ha. I still believe reality TV brings out the best and worst of people, and it’s been interesting to watch and participate.
KKW: Are you at all surprised by the positive reception that the show has received from viewers? What do you think of the popularity of the various "Housewives" shows?
LB: I'm not really surprised because the star of the show is Miami , and Miami has it all - glamour, style, fabulousness, top restaurants, world class shopping, a mix of amazing diversity and culture, beauty, sun, beaches, skyline, boating, nightclubs, beautiful people, and many "happening events" day and night- every day and every night. And of course the energy generated by the people is incomparable to anywhere else in the world. The production team Pop did a great job of showcasing the city. As far as the popularity of the franchise, I think it’s a combination of interest in real life soap operas, seeing how other people live; its a bit of guilty pleasure and escape from one's personal reality...and hopefully entertainment.
KKW: The most recent season of the show generated much interest and headlines in the media. What was your favorite moment from the season?
LB: My favorite moments didn't make the cut!
KKW: Viewers are hoping to see you back for another season of the show. Do you think that is a possibility?
LB: No decisions have been made - and has anyone confirmed a third season? Wink.
KKW: Are you happy to be on a reality show? Has the overall experience been a positive one?
LB: I’m always happy to be on a winning team. Bravo and Pop put a lot into the show - and I think it surpassed many expectations. The overall experience has been lots of ups and a few downs. It certainly opens one’s eyes to who people are on the surface and who they are underneath the surface, and I find the paradoxes infinitely fascinating.
KKW: Apart from "Real Housewives of Miami," which other Bravo show is your favorite?
LB: Well of course “Watch What Happens Live” showcasing the fabulousness of my boss Andy and his over the top guests and antics. And I love the Million Dollar Decorator where I get to watch my "delicious" friend Martyn Bullard.
KKW: The reunion show for the recent season was watched by many. What is it like to discuss past events at the reunion? Is it a good way for the cast to gain closure from things that are said and done throughout that season of the show?
LB: If its authentic then it can be a good thing, if people are playing to the cameras, re-inventing history, spinning things and desperate for attention, then not so much.
KKW: Your upcoming Gala is certain to be a success. What is the history behind it, and what does it benefit? Which co-stars will be attending?
LB: I started it in my back yard close to 20 years ago, and it has evolved to a major black tie event. It’s a charity that is committed to helping kids stay off the streets, out of jail and in school. We have been able to help keep thousands of kids out of jail over the years. Information and tickets are available at www.theblacksannualgala.com. All the RHOM cast will be invited, and hopefully most of them will attend and support the event. (Let's see who is talking to who by then! Haha).
KKW: Each year you have wonderful entertainment at the Gala, and many A-list stars. How do you go about selecting the performers each year?
LB: I've been very fortunate that many entertainers are so on board with what we are trying to do, they have, for the most part, generously donated their performances. To get top talent to donate their performances, considering all of their schedules and how busy they are is a big challenge.
KKW: You are extremely successful in various areas of business. Please discuss your luxurious line of handbags. Is this something that you have always wanted to do?
LB: I started the line because I love clutches and I love classic. And I love bling! My bags are crystal bling and tassels! I had a hard time finding basic, user friendly, chic yet classic pieces for evening so I started having them made for myself. And voilà, people started asking for them so I added them to my line. They even look fab with jeans and a tee shirt for day. I hope everyone will check them out at www.theworldofleablack.com, carry them and get as many compliments on them as I do. And did I say- they're affordable! A big bang for the buck.
KKW: There are a number of different styles available in your line. What has been your main inspiration for each line?
LB: My personal desires!! Seriously though, I started my first company in the mid 80's. My entire adult life has been about empowering, motivating and inspiring people, especially women to create a life for themselves that fulfills them and fills them with fun, purpose and peace of mind. I have a philosophy pamphlet I have on my website that I think is an empowering way to live. The handbags are just an extension of that- encouraging women to look their best and make a statement.
KKW: Do you plan to focus on just handbags, or will the Lea Black line consist of other products in the future?
LB: I will always have some other "project" I just can't help myself. I think we live in a world where we can have it all, why not try ? www.theworldofleablack.com is full of adventures and surprises.
KKW: Are there any other projects that you are working on at the moment?
LB: Yes, my SuddenYouth skincare line is getting fabulous new packaging. And my book, Leas Little Black Book should be coming out soon. (It’s a mystery novel about Miami socialites, a sort of Jackie Collins type, with camouflaged composites of people that live in and make Miami such an exciting city).
KKW: What would you like to say to your various fans?
LB: I truly appreciate that anyone takes their time and spends it watching a show I'm on, or reading a book I wrote, or using any of my skincare and beauty products. It means a lot to me.
For more information on Lea Black, please visit her official website: theworldofleablack.com.
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