Landon Clements made her Southern Charm debut last season as a designer living on a sailboat. Prior to the show, Landon spent a great deal of time exploring Italy before moving to Telluride where she worked with an interior designer for Ralph Lauren Home. Following this adventure, Landon started a career in Los Angeles working with SBE and Philippe Starck as they developed hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs all over the city and then eventually expanding nationally.
On a series known for drama, Landon stayed above the fray on her inaugural season as the majority of the craziness surrounded Kathryn Dennis and Thomas Ravenel. However, as we’ve seen thus far this season, Landon has garnered more of a voice when it comes to her fellow cast mates. She was kind enough to take the time to share with me the details of her upcoming projects (her travel/lifestyle website Roam launches this fall!), the fans’ biggest misconception about her, and the truth behind those pesky rumors of a secret romance between her and T-Rav.
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Joining the cast as an old friend of Shepard “Shep” Rose, Landon was no stranger to the Holy City, having graduated from The College of Charleston where she studied art and historic preservation. She describes watching the first round of Southern Charm while living in Aspen, “I knew about the show for a couple of years though while Whitney [Sudler-Smith] was developing the idea. Then I heard they actually got it together and were filming. Watching Charleston from the Rocky Mountains made me really homesick. I came home for a visit during Easter and we got to watch an episode live together. I told Whitney if they got to do it again I would love to help them produce it. I’m still trying to figure out how I ended up on the other side of the camera but it’s been a blast and I’m just enjoying the ride.”
While there is no doubt editing plays a huge role in what the viewers eventually see, Landon feels that last season was fairly portrayed. She says, “I do think it’s pretty accurate. I wish they could leave in some of the hilarious banter but I guess some of it is too intellectual and our audience might not get the jokes. There is also a bit of censorship that is at play–we are a pretty lively bunch.” When asked if she did anything differently when it came to this season, Landon reveals, “This season I really wanted to show my professional self. I have been working on several projects that you will get to see them come to life. I am especially proud of Roam and am so excited to launch the site in the fall.”
Landon continues, “When filming, I always feel a little guarded around the cameras but to really connect with the audience it’s important to let them see you vulnerable and honest. I think people enjoy our show because we are relatable and maybe they see themselves in some of our ‘characters’.”
To say that people can be downright hateful on social media is an understatement, and reality stars get a lot of comments from viewers, both positive and negative. While some argue it comes with the territory for sharing part of one’s life on a reality show, Landon believes the biggest misconception about her is that she dislikes Kathryn. She explains, “I guess the biggest misconception is that I hate Kathryn. I don’t at all and actually tried very hard to be her friend but at some point you just have to let it go. She has her own battles to fight and feel bad for her but I’m so annoyed by the Team Landon vs. Team Kathryn nonsense. I’m team everybody, but if you write nasty things to me I will block and delete you.”
In fact, when I tell her I feel odd asking about her relationships with Shep and Thomas as I don’t know her, Landon responds with her genuine sense of humor. She states, “You’re right, it isn’t any of your business. I’m kidding, we put ourselves out there, so I understand. I don’t have anything to hide. Shep is my dear, dear friend–more like a brother,” recalling, “We did make out once but we both enjoy each other’s friendship so much it was silly to try to make a real relationship work while filming and growing our businesses.” That said, she does spend the most time with her old friend outside of the show. She reveals, “We have all the same friends from growing up and college so we are always at the same parties and events together. Naomie and I have become really close too. It’s a strange little bubble we live in at the moment, I have a small crew and keep them very close to my heart.”
Addressing the rumors that things are more than platonic with T-Rav, Landon asserts, “The whole Thomas thing is just silly. He’s way too old for me! We have never been anything but friends. He actually gives me some great business and personal advice. I wish I could get him to take his own advice.” Recounting the season so far, Landon touches on the never ending saga between Thomas and Kathryn and what it’s like having a front row seat. As to her portrayal, Landon says, “I think it’s all in good fun. But again I really hate being pegged against Kathryn. I don’t hate her but I am a bit terrified of her. You just never know what you are going to get so I try and stay far away.” When it comes to the reason behind the couple’s drama, Landon speculates, “I guess the age difference is a good place to start. Add a senate race and a couple babies and it’s hard to look away. I think the drama is actually played down the producers and network seem to be tip toeing around the real drama since children are involved.”
Discussing the cast’s talking-head interviews, I inquire whether they give their friends a head’s up if they say anything negative in their blurbs. Landon confirms, “Yes, we do let each other know but honestly if we said it in interviews it’s because we have probably already said it to each other’s face. I do get upset when our friends make an appearance on the show and it gets edited to not show them in a favorable light,” adding, “I have no control over final edits so if you sign up for this you have to be ready for a possible negative situations. I just say edit yourself by not letting production have footage of you being an idiot (I drink a lot less this season—I learned my lesson last year, plus I’m getting old and the hangovers are killer!).”
Speaking of drinking, we sure heard a lot about the lack of alcohol at last week’s skating party. Landon divulges, “Well, they didn’t show us getting kicked out of the roller rink, of course for drinking. It was much more hilarious than stupid invite-gate but they were afraid we would get sued if it aired. Also when we go to Shep’s mountain house things got pretty intense. I am curious to see how those scenes play out.”
Of course, when she’s not filming Southern Charm, Landon has plenty to keep her busy. She’s a project manager for IBU, which assists women around the world become more self-sufficient by marketing collections of handmade goods. She shares, “I am currently working on my travels site Roam. I am so excited to launch it…when I am not filming I am also working with IBU and developing other projects. I also spend a lot of time with my nieces. They are the real reason I moved back to Charleston.”
As to her “Charm”ed life, Landon maintains, “It really hasn’t changed that much. Hopefully after this season when Roam is really up and running, my life will fall back into place. It’s been crazy starting a company. I’ve been in a different city every week since we wrapped, so needless to say not much of a romantic life at the moment. I’m excited to get a little settled and start dating again. I’ve always been sort of boy crazy but right now I really have to focus on one thing and that’s Roam.”
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[Photo Credit: Bravo]
