AceShowbiz - Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff has joined the cast of "The Real Housewives of New York City" (RHONY) for Season 15, according to Deadline.

Minkoff, known for her luxury handbags, accessories, and apparel under the Rebecca Minkoff brand, has been filming with the cast in an unspecified role. It is unclear if she will be a full-time Housewife or a "friend of" the Housewives.

Bravo has yet to comment officially on Minkoff's role, but she is no stranger to the network, having served as a guest judge on "Project Runway." Minkoff has also appeared on E!'s "So Cosmo" and Lifetime's "Project Runway: Fashion Startup."

The announcement of Minkoff's casting comes after Bravo confirmed the return of the entire Season 14 cast, including Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Lichy, Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank, and Brynn Whitfield. Season 14 of "RHONY" saw an increase in viewership in the 18-49 demographic, with its premiere being the most-watched episode in three years.

Minkoff has a strong track record of empowering women. In 2018, she established the Female Founder Collective, a network that invests in women-owned businesses. Her involvement with "RHONY" is expected to bring a fresh perspective on fashion, business, and female empowerment to the show.

Fans have expressed mixed reactions to Minkoff's casting, with some anticipating drama and others welcoming her addition as a fashion expert. It remains to be seen how Minkoff's role will unfold, but her presence promises to add intrigue to the upcoming season of "RHONY".