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Coming to town

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps at Fashion’s Night Out

 
 

de Lesseps
de Lesseps
Michael Loccisano / Getty Images

Real Housewives of NYC star LuAnn de Lesseps wants to teach us some etiquette. The 47-year-old socialite already wrote a book on the topic — 2009’s Class with the Countess: How to Live with Elegance and Flair. Next up: a line of complete tabletop and dinnerware items that should make the whole eating process a lot easier.

“I think manners have gone by the wayside a little bit in our takeout lifestyle,’’ complains de Lesseps. “We used to have home economics class, which was great. And now people kind of forget about the basics like the simple thank yous and where to put their forks.”

The so-called Countess Collection will also include hassle-free clothing that’s good for traveling as well as accessories to go with jewelry friendly necklines.

Get a sneak peek of the apparel — de Lesseps will be wearing a few pieces when she comes to town Thursday for Fashion’s Night Out at Macy’s Aventura.

And you can call her LuAnn or address her with her official designation.

“It’s like my tag line now,’’ says the Countess, who has two children with her ex-husband, France’s Count Alexandre de Lesseps. “It’s part of who I am.”

The title often works in her favor. “I mean, I don’t go around calling myself ‘The Countess.’ But when making restaurant reservations it comes in handy, and it’s fun for my friends.”

Speaking of friends...Luann laughs off the ribbing she’s getting from her fellow Housewives for the wild trip to St. Barth’s. Didn’t catch it? The sometime singer shamelessly flirted (and possibly more) with a local man who resembled Johnny Depp channeling Jack Sparrow.

“I’m reliving something that happened eight months ago,” says LuAnn, whose relationship with wine executive Jacques Azoulay is still strong.

“It looks like I’m being very naughty, but I’m not a cheater.”

The couple are in a good place, even talking of having a baby together. Though she’s not doing anything “aggressive” to get pregnant, de Lesseps is trying acupuncture and Chinese herbs. “If it happens it happens, great. If not, that’s great too. For Jacques it’s not a deal breaker.”

Regardless of her plans, de Lesseps is staying toned and healthy, eating mostly a Mediterranean diet, higher in protein and fruit and vegetables. Throw in some Pilates, tennis and most recently, running, thanks to Jacques’ good influence.

“I try to control my portions, but I eat pretty much what I want. As long as you fit in some exercise you can, too.”

Season 6 of the Monday night dramafest starts shooting in October, but the Connecticut native has no idea what to expect, nor does she stress about it.

“I’ve been doing this for five seasons, honey. We’ll just film whatever it is that we’re doing that’s interesting.”

As of now it appears the cast remains the same — with Sonja Morgan and Ramona Singer from the old days as well as newbies Aviva Drescher, Carole Radziwill and Heather Thomson. Drama? Bet on it.

While in town, de Lesseps plans to meet up for dinner with Alexia Echevarria and Marysol Patton of the Real Housewives of Miami.

“It’s nice to stay in touch with the other ladies,’’ de Lesseps says. “We’re like a Bravo sorority!”

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