Hotter with her daughter

“Every second of life should be as fabulous as possible’, Real Housewife of New York City, Sonja Morgan (54) likes to say. And sure enough, whatever the flamboyant designer/ entertainer/entrepreneur touches, becomes instantly glamorous. Even motherhood! I asked the fearless vixen about sex, ageing, and how her daughter feels about her mother putting it all out there…

Marlies: To me, you are a perfect example of someone who is ‘more than a mother’. How would you describe your relationship with your daughter Quincy who is now 18? You seem so close and loving when you’re out there, twinning on the red carpet.
Sonja: Thank you! We are very close. I look at our astrological charts from time to time, and we have so much in common. Not just our value systems, but our tastes for culture, travel, knowledge, fashion, entertainment. It’s wonderful to share and travel the world together!

Marlies: Could you share some advice on how to NOT lose yourself when you become a mother?
Sonja: It’s the same advice I would give on how not to lose yourself in your marriage: you have to make time for yourself and for what makes you tick. For me, it’s my private, creative outlets. I have always entertained and decorated my own homes. I love to cook. And I can always rely on a good bubble bath with Epsom salts or a glass of prosecco.

Marlies: You’ve said: “I take a very conservative approach to ageing. Slow and easy. No rush. I like the way I’m ageing.” You look absolutely radiant. Please share some tips!
Sonja: Don’t overdo the fixing! You can not easily erase an over-done face or tummy tuck. So my philosophy is: embrace your look. If you are a little over-weight at the moment, maybe it’s because you have a full plate right now. Literally! It will come off when it’s time. If you get yourself down, you will only put on more weight and more unhappiness. I’m always optimistic. Besides, gratitude goes a long way for radiance. It all comes from inside!

Marlies: You understand that we HAVE to talk about the term ‘trout snatch’ that you used on Real Housewives of New York. I love the fact that you’re so open about this kind of upkeep! Tell me all!
Sonja: Trout mouth refers to the two furrows that develop from the corners of your mouth, down towards your chin. So I thought it was funny, after trying vaginal rejuvenation, to say: “One doesn’t want trout snatch”. Referring, of course, to a droopy vagina. (Laughs out loud). I figured, I’ve had laser treatments on my face. What damage could it do down there?

“Live each day as if you have nothing to lose & everything to gain.” — Sonja Morgan

Marlies: While we’re at it, let’s talk about sex and aging. You once said: “You have to have sex! If you’re not having sex you’re not going to stay young.” It’s still a taboo, isn’t it?
Sonja: Yes, enough with the shaming! It’s a woman’s prerogative to do what she wants with her bits and pieces. And darn it, just because her marriage didn’t work out or she didn’t find the love of her life, doesn’t mean she doesn’t get to ‘oil her mechanism’. It’s healthy! We are lucky to get it and should embrace a man’s attention and love. I’m not saying that you should be with any womanizer, but perhaps this is your second chance at love. You never know.

Marlies: You know, I have just come out of the teenage-years myself with my daughter Zilver, and like you, I’m a very outspoken public figure. So, I wonder: how does Quincy feel about her mother sharing this kind of information publicly?
Sonja: Today, with the internet, children can make well-informed decisions on their own. They don’t rebel against their parents like they used to, unless the parent is over-controlling. I am lucky that my daughter is worldly and savvy and has a good understanding of the world of entertainment. She spends a lot of time with me in private, watching me build my businesses, and manage our finances, homes, charities and family. And because she respects me for those things, she is able to laugh with the audience at my frankness and slapstick moments.

Marlies: I see you as a typical ‘feminine feminist’. Do you relate to that?
Sonja: Yes. I’m very feminine. I enjoy my body, I love dressing in my fashions, keeping my home, mothering my loved ones. Yet at the same time I will stand up for the underdog fiercer than many men would dare!

Marlies: What is your life motto?
Sonja: Live each day as if you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Marlies: I think you do a fabulous job at it! Thank you, Sonja!