Kelly Cutrone Biography : Ethnicity, Height, Parents, Awards, Religion, Age, Books, Children, Net Worth, Wife

Kelly Blanding Cutrone, popularly known as Kelly Cutrone, is an American fashion publicist, television personality, and bestselling author who has earned a reputation as one of the most powerful and blunt voices in the fashion industry.

She first captured the public’s attention as the no-nonsense mentor on the MTV reality series The Hills and The City, where her leadership of her PR firm, People’s Revolution, showcased the high-pressure reality of fashion communications.

Her influence later expanded globally when she joined the judging panel of America’s Next Top Model, where she provided a sharp and professional contrast to the glamour-driven atmosphere of the competition.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Kelly Blanding Cutrone
• Stage Name: Kelly Cutrone
• Born: November 13, 1965
• Age: 60 years old
• Birthplace: Camillus, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Publicist, Television Personality, Author
• Height: 1.73m
• Parents: Mr. Blanding and Mrs. Blanding
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Ronnie Cutrone (m. 1989–1990); Jeff Kober (m. 1998–1999)
• Boyfriends: Ilario Calvo (ex)
• Children: Ava Cutrone
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Kelly Cutrone was born on November 13, 1965, in Camillus, New York, United States.

She was raised by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Blanding, in a traditional household that greatly shaped her disciplined and grounded outlook on life.

She has often credited her father’s strong work ethic and integrity as major influences on her professional philosophy, while her mother dedicated herself to raising the family.

Although details regarding her siblings remain largely private, her upbringing instilled the resilience and independence that later defined her career in the fashion industry.

She attended Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986 before relocating to New York City to pursue a career in public relations.

Kelly is of White ethnicity and identifies as spiritual, having once practiced as a tarot card reader during a temporary break from the fashion industry.

Career

Kelly Cutrone began her career in the late 1980s when she moved to New York City and secured a position working for the legendary publicist Susan Blond.

She quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for the fast-paced world of media, which led to a role as the director of communications for Spin magazine under the mentorship of Bob Guccione.

Her entrepreneurial spirit soon took over, and she co-founded the PR firm Cutrone & Weinberg at a young age, representing high-profile clients such as Eartha Kitt before she eventually sold her interest in the company to pursue a more independent creative path.

Kelly Cutrone experienced a significant surge in global recognition during the mid-2000s when she founded People’s Revolution, a firm that became famous for producing a record-breaking number of shows during New York Fashion Week.

Her transition into television as a recurring mentor on The Hills and The City solidified her “villain-coded” but respected persona, leading to her own Bravo reality series, Kell on Earth.

This period also saw her become a New York Times bestselling author with the release of her memoir, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside, which provided a blunt guide for young women entering the workforce.

She further cemented her industry standing by serving as a judge on America’s Next Top Model for five cycles, where her critiques were known for their uncompromising honesty.

Kelly Cutrone continues to hold a position of significant influence as she navigates the evolving landscape of digital media and influencer culture, which she has frequently critiqued in recent industry podcasts.

She remains the head of People’s Revolution, continuing to consult for major designers and brands while maintaining her presence as a sought-after public speaker at events like TEDx.

Her legacy is defined by her role as a “dark angel” of fashion who prioritized professional excellence over likability, a philosophy that continues to resonate with a new generation of creators.

In 2026, she remains a prominent figure in fashion criticism, often appearing in documentary projects and fashion archives that analyze the lasting impact of the reality television era on the PR industry.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @kellycutrone
• Facebook Handle: @KellyCutrone
• Twitter Handle: @KellyCutrone

Personal Life

Kelly Cutrone was born on November 13, 1965, and is currently 60 years old.

She has been married twice, first to the late pop artist Ronnie Cutrone, to whom she was married from 1989 to 1990, and later to actor Jeff Kober, whom she married from 1998 to 1999; both marriages ended in divorce.

She is the mother of one daughter, Ava Cutrone, whom she shares with her former partner, the Italian socialite Ilario Calvo, and she has often spoken about the challenges and rewards of being a single mother in a demanding industry.

Filmography

• True Life (2002)
• The Hills (2008–2010)
• The City (2008–2010)
• Kell on Earth (2010)
• Dr. Phil (2010)
• America’s Next Top Model (2012–2015)
• Knight of Cups (2015)
• The Fashion Archives (2025)

Net Worth

Kelly Cutrone has an estimated net worth of $10 million.

This wealth has been built through her decades of leadership at People’s Revolution, which remains one of the most active and successful fashion PR firms in the United States.

Her income is also significantly supplemented by her long tenure as a television personality on major networks like MTV, Bravo, and The CW, as well as the substantial royalties from her two bestselling books.