Going strong into its second season on MTV, The City has reeled us in thanks to the career-driven dynamics between Whitney Port and her co-stars - particularly her frequent nemesis, the fashion-savvy socialite and girl we all love to hate, Olivia Palermo. We sat down with 24-year-old Palermo to get the scoop on the new episodes.

What’s in store for you during Season Two?
During Season Two you’ll get to see me contributing video footage to ELLE.com which is something new for me. It’s been great to interview major designers such as Anna Sui. Our viewers will get a really great behind the scenes look at the fashion industry, which is something that I’m really passionate about.


You’re often portrayed as the “villain” of the show. Why do you think that is?
I don’t see myself as the villain at all. There are elements of drama throughout the entire show and all of the cast members have their ups and downs. Perhaps people want to make me out to be the villain because I’m a very honest person and I’m not afraid to speak my opinion.
 
Are you ever surprised when you see the final cut of an episode?
Yes – all the time! Mostly because I don’t film with the other girls that much so it’s definitely interesting and surprising to see what they are doing.


Have we seen a pretty accurate portrayal of your work relationship with Erin?
Erin and I definitely have our disagreements from time to time, I would say that much is accurate. But I think it would be inaccurate to suggest that Erin and I are beyond the point of being able to work together. We’re both professionals and we both know when it’s time to put our differences aside and focus on the job at hand.

You’re often compared to Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf. What’s your take on that? Do you watch the show?
The comparison is really lost on me because I’ve never seen the show. I’ve met Leighton Meester several times, but I don’t know anything about the character she plays.


Have you ever refused to do anything the producers asked?
I think that anyone that’s ever been on any kind of reality show has, at one point, refused to do something the producers have asked.

You’re a true New Yorker. What’s your favorite thing about the city? Would you ever consider moving to LA?
I spend my time between New York and Europe and I’m very happy with the balance. There’s so much to love about both places – the culture here and in all the cities I travel to is a huge inspiration for me. I travel to LA for work when necessary, or to see friends but for now I’m definitely happy with my current location and lifestyle.  
 
What are your plans for when The City ends?
There are so many different areas I’d like to try my hand at – designing, producing, maybe even acting. But for right now I’m just staying focused on ELLE, on the show, and on my design collaboration with Roberta Freymann. I think that’s enough to tackle for the moment.