Bravo Announces Start of Production of "The Real Housewives of New York City"

BRAVO ANNOUNCES START OF PRODUCTION OF "THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK CITY"

LuAnn, Bethenny, Kelly, Alex, Ramona And Jill Are Back For Season 3

"The Real Housewives" Brand Expands Launching A Line Of Apparel With Royal Plush And A Series Companion Book From Chronicle Books

NEW YORK - September 17, 2009 - Today, Bravo announced the start of production for season three of its hit series "The Real Housewives of New York City." The series returns with more jaw-dropping drama in 2010 with Housewives Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Bethenny Frankel, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Alex McCord, Ramona Singer and Jill Zarin. The series follows the busy lives of a group of driven and ambitious Manhattan women as they juggle their demanding careers, motherhood and jam-packed social calendars.

In addition, the network continues its motto of reaching its highly-engaged fans through every consumer touch point and across all platforms, and announced the expansion of "The Real Housewives" brand with a number of new products including a line of apparel, and a companion book, where the women from Atlanta, New York City, New Jersey, and Orange County provide a behind-the-scenes look on the series' biggest moments. The announcements were made by Frances Berwick, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Bravo Media.

Bravo Media has partnered with Royal Plush, in its first ever licensing deal, to develop a co-branded line of apparel inspired by the fashion and style of "The Real Housewives." The Real Housewives-Royal Plush line, available for sale nationwide in leading department stores and specialty boutiques beginning this fall, will consist of premium denim, loungewear, activewear, handbags and accessories. This deal was brokered by Brand Sense Partners, LLC. Royal Plush specializes in women's casual contemporary lifestyle clothing and accessories. The collection is currently available in over 400 stores worldwide, including North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

"Since launching Bravo Media, we have had incredible success with our brand extensions, from a bestselling cookbook to Fashion by Bravo," said Berwick. "We're dedicated to providing high quality products to our passionate consumers, as well as opportunities for our viewers to experience our series beyond their TV screens. Royal Plush's contemporary designs reflect the bold, stylish and fun personalities of our Real Housewives. The book is the perfect companion to our series with all the inside scoop on what makes a Real Housewife."

Bravo Media has once again partnered with Chronicle Books and Melcher Media ("Top Chef: The Cookbook") to release "The Real Housewives Get Personal," a behind-the-scenes companion where the Housewives dish on everything from plastic surgery to personal growth and share their secret tips on shopping, family, travel, business, and more. The network is giving viewers an inside look at what happens when the cameras aren't rolling and provides a never-before-seen view of the Housewives and their most priceless moments from the series. Brimming with color photos, entertaining tidbits, straight-talking advice, and unforgettable quotes, the book is a must-have for "Real Housewives" fans.