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Kelly Cutrone
Kelly Cutrone
from Wikipedia

Kelly Cutrone (born Kelly Blanding; c. 1965) is an American publicist, television personality and author.

Early life and career beginnings

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Kelly Cutrone was born and raised in Camillus, New York. Cutrone graduated from Syracuse University in 1986, whereupon she moved to New York City. She originally worked for publicist Susan Blond for a year; she followed this with a position as director of communications at Spin for Bob Guccione.[1] Less than a year later, Cutrone founded the PR firm Cutrone & Weinberg with former Susan Blond intern, Jason Weinberg. Their clients included Eartha Kitt and Mark Ronson.[1]

Cutrone has been married twice. At 21, she married artist Ronnie Cutrone, and at 28, actor Jeff Kober. Both marriages ended in a divorce.[2] Cutrone has a daughter.[3]

People's Revolution

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Having tired of the PR life[clarification needed], Cutrone sold her half of Cutrone & Weinberg to her co-founder and spent a year and a half as a tarot card reader.[1][4] Cutrone founded the fashion PR firm People's Revolution in 1996.[5]

On September 11, 2002, People's Revolution broke the record for the most shows produced in one day during New York Fashion Week.[6]

Television

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Cutrone has appeared on three MTV shows: True Life; The Hills, on which she allowed Whitney Port and Lauren Conrad to film in her office; and The City, where she served as the professional and personal mentor to and consulted on Port's clothing line.[7]

In February 2010, Cutrone executive produced Bravo's Kell on Earth, an eight-episode reality TV show about Cutrone and People's Revolution. The series followed Cutrone as she balanced running her own company and producing Fashion Weeks in New York and London with being a single mother.[8]

In November 2010, Cutrone signed on as a contributor to the Dr. Phil Show.[9]

In 2011, she became a judge on America's Next Top Model for seasons 18 to 22.[10]

Books and other media appearances

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In February 2010, HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins, released Cutrone's memoir, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You.[11][12] The book is co-authored by Meredith Bryan, and is a New York Times bestseller. Cutrone's second book, Normal Gets You Nowhere, was published on May 3, 2011.[13]

Cutrone appeared in Terrence Malick's film, Knight of Cups, in 2016.[14]

Cutrone has spoken at two TEDx events: at the University of Oxford's independent event, TEDxOxford, where she gave an 18-minute talk about her career; and at TEDxAmsterdamWomen, where she spoke about her journey as a woman in business.[15][16]

Published works

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  • If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You (2010)
  • Normal Gets You Nowhere (2011)

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kelly Cutrone is an American fashion publicist, television personality, and author renowned for her no-nonsense approach to and her influential role in the New York fashion scene. As the founder and CEO of People's Revolution, a New York-based PR, branding, and marketing firm established in 1996, she has represented prominent designers and brands including Longchamp, , Valentino, and , while earning a reputation for championing emerging and underfunded talents such as and . Born Kelly Blanding on November 13, 1965, in Camillus, New York, Cutrone grew up in a suburban environment before attending Syracuse University, from which she graduated in 1986 with a degree in nursing. Despite her academic background in healthcare, she quickly pivoted to the entertainment and fashion worlds after moving to New York City at age 21, starting as an assistant to veteran publicist Susan Blond and advancing to director of communications at Spin magazine within a year. In 1991, she co-founded the short-lived PR firm Cutrone & Weinberg before launching People's Revolution, which rapidly gained prominence by producing a record number of fashion shows in a single day on September 11, 2002, and redefining power dynamics in the industry through innovative events and brand strategies. Cutrone's visibility expanded into television, where she became a fixture as a mentor and judge on MTV's The Hills and The City, Bravo's Kell on Earth (which chronicled her firm's operations in 2010), and as a panelist on America's Next Top Model for cycles 18 through 22 from 2012 to 2015. Her books, including the New York Times bestsellers If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You (2010) and Normal Gets You Nowhere (2011), offer candid advice on career ambition, resilience, and navigating the cutthroat fashion world, drawing from her experiences as a self-described "boss lady." As of 2025, Cutrone remains active as CEO of People's Revolution, which closed its office in 2014 to focus on New York operations, and continues to consult on branding for creators and , including a media project with Anna Delvey announced in January 2025, while maintaining her signature outspoken persona through and public appearances.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Kelly Cutrone was born Kelly Blanding on November 13, 1965, in Camillus, New York, a suburb of Syracuse. She was raised in a modest middle-class household in the suburban environment of Camillus, where she shared a bed with her sister and her parents occasionally sold personal items to afford school clothes for their children. Her father, Leland L. Blanding III, served as a police commissioner and town board member in Camillus until his death in 2010 at age 75. Her mother, Beverly J. Blanding, was married to her father for 46 years. Cutrone has one sister, Allison Turk, and one brother, Leland L. "Lee" Blanding IV. The family's working-class roots and community involvement fostered a sense of resilience and independence in Cutrone during her formative years, contrasting with the rebellious persona she later developed in her professional life. She attended West Genesee High School in Camillus before transitioning to higher education at .

Education

Cutrone attended from 1982 to 1986, majoring in as per her mother's expectations. Despite initial enrollment in the nursing program, she quickly realized the field was not suited to her ambitions, having decided against it after her first day of classes. She graduated with a in in 1986 and promptly relocated to , armed with $2,000 from her father, to pursue opportunities in the creative arts and sectors.

Professional career

Early career

After graduating from in 1986, Kelly Cutrone moved to to pursue a career in the . Initially facing significant financial hardships, she ran out of money shortly after arriving, leading to a period of in [Times Square](/page/Times Square) where she slept on the streets and crashed on the couch of writer Antony Haden-Guest. These early struggles, including reliance on odd jobs to survive, shaped her resilient and direct professional demeanor, emphasizing in a competitive environment. Cutrone's first formal role in came in 1986 as an assistant to prominent publicist Susan Blond, known for representing musicians and artists in New York's vibrant scene. This entry-level position exposed her to the fast-paced world of media and publicity, building foundational skills in client coordination and amid the city's art and music circles. Within a year, she advanced to director of communications at Spin magazine under publisher Bob Guccione Jr., where she handled media relations and contributed writing pieces in the early 1990s. Her background in writing from Syracuse University proved instrumental in these media-focused roles, allowing her to navigate press coverage and industry networking effectively. This stint in the music industry provided crucial exposure to high-profile publicity tactics, honing her ability to manage demanding schedules and creative personalities. Transitioning toward , Cutrone began freelance work in during the early , taking on event coordination and client for emerging designers while leveraging her media contacts from Spin. These initial gigs in New York's scene involved learning the intricacies of show production and brand promotion through hands-on, often unpaid or low-paid opportunities, amid ongoing financial instability that reinforced her no-nonsense approach to the industry.

People's Revolution

Kelly Cutrone founded People's Revolution in as a boutique and branding agency based in , initially focusing on emerging fashion talents and edgy designers to differentiate from larger corporate firms. The firm quickly gained traction by prioritizing innovative strategies over traditional PR tactics, building a reputation for authenticity in an industry often dominated by polished corporate narratives. Cutrone's vision emphasized empowering up-and-coming creators, fostering a "tribal atmosphere" that encouraged entrepreneurial spirit among staff and clients alike. Over the years, People's Revolution expanded its operations globally, producing events and fashion shows in major cities while maintaining its New York headquarters, and represented a diverse roster of influential clients including , Longchamp, Valentino, and . Notable campaigns included high-impact launch events and productions that challenged conventions, such as subversive shows highlighting alternative and cultural narratives. The agency's anti-corporate ethos shone through in its commitment to authentic storytelling, often going against mainstream trends to amplify voices of innovative, non-traditional brands. Key milestones include breaking the record for the most fashion shows produced in a single day during New York Fashion Week on September 11, 2002, when the firm managed multiple high-profile presentations amid logistical challenges. People's Revolution also navigated high-profile industry crises, such as last-minute production adjustments for designer shows, solidifying its status as a go-to agency for edgy, risk-taking brands seeking bold representation. By hiring key talent and expanding services to include brand strategy and event production, the firm achieved widespread recognition for launching successful careers and campaigns that reshaped perceptions in fashion PR. As of 2025, People's Revolution continues to operate under Cutrone's leadership as a global powerhouse in , with an ongoing emphasis on championing emerging designers through innovative productions and strategies that promote diverse, authentic narratives in the industry.

Other business ventures

In 2023, Kelly Cutrone launched Agency, a pop-up production company in collaboration with Anna Delvey, aimed at organizing events and providing support for emerging designers. The agency drew on Cutrone's extensive experience in PR to facilitate innovative, guerrilla-style productions that leveraged Delvey's public profile. A flagship project was the production of designer Shao Yang's debut show on , 2023, held on Cutrone's rooftop amid Delvey's restrictions, which blended high-profile notoriety with creative presentation to spotlight new talent. In February 2025, their collaboration extended to producing the "" show at through People's Revolution, featuring four Thai designers (Matter Makers, Merge, VICKTEERUT, and Vinn Patararin), with Delvey closing each segment on the . Subsequent events under continued this approach, incorporating unconventional elements like sponsor integrations to challenge traditional industry norms. By 2025, Cutrone and Delvey had expanded their partnership into an ongoing media project, co-executive produced with an established company and featuring hundreds of hours of footage developed at Cutrone's rural New York home, where the two lived as roommates during Delvey's (October 2022 to early 2025). Described by Cutrone as "'Green Acres' for people in boots," the initiative explores and branded experiences, including a planned fake to further innovate in and storytelling. This living arrangement directly influenced their collaborations, fostering a dynamic environment for brainstorming amid the evolving post-2020 landscape, which emphasizes digital PR and experiential events. Cutrone has also pursued shorter-term initiatives through Outlaw, such as a collaborative branded with the word "nothing," highlighting minimalist and provocative design concepts for emerging markets. These ventures reflect adaptations to industry shifts toward digital and hybrid models post-2020, including consulting on event production that integrates virality. However, partnerships like the one with Delvey have presented challenges, including logistical hurdles from legal constraints and public backlash over Delvey's past, which Cutrone has navigated by defending the creative value and emphasizing professional resilience.

Media and entertainment

Television appearances

Cutrone debuted on television as a key figure in MTV's reality series The Hills from 2006 to 2008, where she portrayed the demanding publicist boss at People's Revolution, mentoring interns and . Known for her unfiltered, tough-love approach to the world, she delivered memorable advice that highlighted the industry's rigors, including the oft-quoted directive to an emotional staffer: "If you have to cry, go outside." Her role spanned multiple episodes, showcasing high-pressure PR scenarios and contributing to the show's portrayal of aspiring professionals navigating . In 2010, Cutrone starred in and executive produced Bravo's Kell on Earth, an eight-episode reality series that provided an inside look at the operations of People's Revolution and her high-stakes role in the fashion PR industry. The show featured her managing crises, mentoring staff, and navigating client demands, further cementing her reputation as a formidable industry leader. Cutrone served as a permanent judge and mentor on for cycles 18 through 22 from 2012 to 2015, including the franchise's inaugural co-ed edition in cycle 20 in 2013, where she provided feedback on contestants' poise, commercial viability, and body standards in modeling. Her commentary often addressed the sector's emphasis on thinness and professionalism, drawing from her PR expertise to guide both male and female aspirants. Across her TV roles, including appearances in over 40 episodes of The Hills and related spin-offs, Cutrone's visibility surged, attracting new clients to People's Revolution and solidifying her as a go-to authority on entrepreneurship. Later cameos included guest spots on shows like The City (2008–2010) and features in documentaries such as (2023), with no major new series roles reported through 2025.

Other media roles

Cutrone has appeared on several podcasts, sharing insights into the fashion industry and her career experiences. In a March 2025 episode of the Rogue Energy podcast titled "Let's Talk Fashion with Kelly Cutrone," she discussed her journey from reality television to mentoring emerging creators, including her collaboration with Anna Delvey on narrative reinvention. She also featured on the Cool Cool Cool podcast in June 2024, where she reflected on her role as CEO of People's Revolution and offered advice on navigating the PR landscape. Additionally, in a December 2024 appearance on another podcast, Cutrone elaborated on supporting creators in redefining their public images. Earlier, in a 2018 Refinery29 interview marking the tenth anniversary of The Hills, she critiqued industry dynamics and expressed ongoing frustrations with media portrayals of fashion professionals. On , Cutrone maintains an active presence, using platforms to critique trends and dispense advice. Her account (@kellycutrone) boasts 221,000 followers as of 2025, featuring posts on industry critiques and personal empowerment. She joined under @killacutrone in 2024, amassing 11,100 followers and 25,300 likes through short-form videos offering quick insights on style and professional resilience. Cutrone has delivered public speeches at events and universities, often emphasizing female empowerment and industry authenticity. Notable appearances include TEDx talks in 2011 and 2012, where she addressed and the intersection of and . More recently, she has keynoted at -related gatherings, drawing on her expertise to inspire audiences on breaking conventional rules in creative fields. Her influence extends to print and online profiles that highlight her unconventional approach. A feature in Office Magazine portrays Cutrone as a rule-breaker whose thrives on charisma and bold vision, underscoring her enduring impact on fashion media. Post-2020, Cutrone shifted toward to expand her reach amid industry changes, including virtual collaborations and online . This evolution, amplified by her earlier exposure, has enabled broader engagement through podcasts, social platforms, and remote projects like global sessions during the .

Writing and publications

Books

Kelly Cutrone's debut book, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You, published in 2010 by , blends and advice to guide young women through the challenges of the fashion industry. Drawing from her experiences as CEO of People's Revolution and her television appearances on shows like The Hills and Kell on Earth, the book offers no-nonsense strategies for career success, emphasizing resilience, , and authenticity without compromising one's principles. Key chapters explore building professional networks, handling rejection, and cultivating inner strength amid the industry's demands. It became a New York Times bestseller, praised for its blunt, motivational tone that resonates with aspiring professionals. Her follow-up, Normal Gets You Nowhere, co-authored with Meredith Bryan and released in 2011 by , extends these themes into a broader exploration of personal growth and nonconformity. Blending autobiographical elements with insights, it critiques societal pressures to fit in, urging readers to embrace their unique identities for true fulfillment and success, illustrated by figures like and . The book delves into Cutrone's views on , media influence, and life's bigger questions, positioning individuality as key to navigating pitfalls in competitive fields like . While not reaching the same heights, it received positive reviews for its "punk-rock spiritual" philosophy and empowering message, appealing to fans of her unfiltered style. Cutrone collaborated closely with editor Meredith Bryan on both works, drawing inspiration directly from her high-stakes PR career and reality exposures, which provided raw anecdotes on dynamics and personal evolution. The writing process involved distilling her professional lessons into accessible narratives, with Bryan helping shape the raw, conversational voice that defines Cutrone's authorship. These books solidified Cutrone's legacy as a candid mentor for women in male-dominated industries, amplifying her brand as an advocate for resilience and self-empowerment in and beyond; as of 2025, they remain influential touchstones, with no reported adaptations but ongoing relevance in discussions of professional grit.

Other writings

In addition to her books, Kelly Cutrone has contributed essays and opinion pieces to prominent publications, often drawing on her experiences in the fashion industry and personal encounters with power dynamics. One notable example is her 2017 essay in The Cut, titled "Why I Came Forward About ," in which she recounted an alleged attempted by the co-founder in 1991 and explained her decision to go public during the height of the , emphasizing the importance of solidarity among survivors. Cutrone has also penned articles critiquing aspects of and . In a 2010 piece, "Fashion Is Not To Be Taken So Seriously," she addressed the superficial pressures on women to emulate styles, arguing that true empowerment comes from rejecting ill-fitting trends and embracing personal authenticity over societal expectations of perfection. Her online writings extend to commentary on industry trends and professional empowerment, though many early contributions, such as event recaps from the on the People's Revolution website, are no longer prominently archived. These pieces often echoed themes of resilience for young professionals navigating competitive fields like and .

Personal life and views

Family and relationships

Cutrone was married to pop artist , a close associate of , beginning in her early twenties; the union immersed her in New York's vibrant art and social scenes, where Ronnie was known for his connections and influence. The marriage ended in divorce. She later married actor on August 25, 1998; that marriage also concluded in divorce. Cutrone is the mother of a daughter, Ava, born in 2002 following a brief relationship with Italian actor Ilario Calvo. She has raised Ava as a in , often highlighting the challenges and joys of balancing her high-pressure career in fashion public relations with , such as navigating and early without family support nearby. From 2024 to early 2025, Cutrone shared her rural New York home with Anna Delvey (born Anna Sorokin), the convicted fraudster turned media figure; their cohabitation was a platonic professional partnership centered on collaborative media projects, including fashion shows during New York Fashion Week. As of November 2025, they continue to collaborate professionally as friends and co-founders of Outlaw Agency but no longer live together. Cutrone has consistently prioritized her family's , shielding Ava from intense public scrutiny while selectively drawing on her experiences to offer candid advice in books, interviews, and public appearances about resilience and work-life integration.

Activism and public persona

Kelly Cutrone has been a vocal advocate for , particularly within the industry, positioning herself as an "ancient feminist" who emphasizes and resilience for women navigating male-dominated spaces. In her 2011 TEDxAmsterdamWomen talk titled "," she urged women to embrace their inner strength and reject societal expectations of submissiveness, drawing on historical figures like and as inspirations for living boldly. She has mentored numerous young women through her firm People's Revolution, viewing her role as interns from traditional gender norms and preparing them for professional independence. Cutrone's engagement with broader activism intensified during the . In December 2017, she publicly accused music mogul of attempting to rape her in 1991, recounting an incident where he allegedly lured her to his apartment under false pretenses and assaulted her; Simmons denied the allegation. This came amid a wave of accusations against Simmons by multiple women, contributing to the cultural reckoning on in and . Earlier that year, she participated in the Mobilize Women summit hosted by Ellevate Network, where she discussed strategies for women to mobilize economic and professional power. In February 2018, Cutrone produced a presentation for Voodoo Manufacturing inspired by #MeToo, blending themes of , witchcraft, and retail innovation to highlight women's solidarity against industry abuses. As a prominent ally to the LGBTQ+ community, Cutrone has expressed strong support for in professional settings, describing them as essential collaborators in her work and crediting the community for shaping her worldview. She has participated in media outlets, affirming her preference for straight partners while celebrating fluid expressions of identity in and beyond. Politically, Cutrone has distanced herself from partisan labels, stating in a 2018 interview that she prioritizes "truth" over politics and critiqued figures like early in his public rise. She has voiced frustration with systemic mistreatment of women, arguing that embracing is key to cultural . Cutrone's public persona is defined by her unapologetic bluntness and commanding presence, often encapsulated in her signature all-black wardrobe and the mantra "If you have to cry, go outside," which became a in her 2010 advice book for aspiring professionals. Portrayed on shows like The Hills, The City, and Kell on Earth as a tough, no-nonsense boss, she has embraced the "head bitch in charge" archetype, using her platform to challenge double standards faced by assertive women. Her sharp wit and refusal to conform have made her a polarizing yet influential figure in , where she mentors with while advocating for authenticity over performative diversity.

References

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