Shoshanna Lonstein — Everything to Know About the Fashion Designer

Before building a respected name in fashion, Shoshanna Lonstein found herself at the center of media attention. But her path since then has taken a much different turn.

Shoshanna Lonstein first entered the public eye in the 1990s due to her highly publicized relationship with comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Their romance sparked widespread media attention, largely due to their age gap—Lonstein was reportedly 17, while Seinfeld was 39 at the time.

Though the relationship eventually ended, Lonstein moved on, building a life outside the spotlight. She later married, started a family, and carved out a name for herself in the world of fashion. Here is everything we know about Shoshanna Lonstein.

Shoshanna Lonstein’s Rise in Fashion — From Manhattan Roots to Industry Trailblazer

Beyond her early tabloid presence, Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss has built a respected name in the fashion industry. She is the founder and creative director of Shoshanna, the fashion label she launched in November 1998.

Her debut collection stood out for its focus on fit, flattering silhouettes, and playful details, offering a fresh alternative to the prevailing styles of the time.

Raised in Manhattan, Lonstein developed a keen eye for design from a young age. After earning degrees in History and Art History from the University of California, Los Angeles, she chose an unconventional path.

Rather than following a traditional career route, she dove directly into fashion by working in a lingerie factory. The hands-on experience taught her the essentials of design, sourcing, and garment construction.

In 2001, she continued to innovate with the launch of her swimwear line, becoming the first to offer tops and bottoms as separates with lingerie-style sizing—a shift that helped reshape the swimwear industry.

Her collections continue to reflect her personal vision: functional yet feminine pieces designed with real women in mind. Through her brand, Shoshanna Lonstein turned her fashion frustrations into a forward-thinking label that continues to resonate with consumers nationwide.

Shoshanna Lonstein's Personal Life — Marriage, Motherhood, and a Public Past

Shoshanna Lonstein’s life in the spotlight hasn’t only been defined by her career in fashion. In 2003, she married Joshua Gruss, son of financier Martin Gruss, in a ceremony held at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. The couple went on to have three children together during their decade-long marriage.

However, in 2014, Lonstein and Gruss confirmed they were parting ways. Speaking to Page Six, the pair described the split as "amicable and sad," and emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their children moving forward.

Long before her marriage, Shoshanna Lonstein made headlines for her relationship with comedian Jerry Seinfeld. The two met when Lonstein was 17 and Seinfeld was 38, an age gap that sparked widespread public scrutiny at the time.

Though their relationship eventually ended after dating from 1993 to 1997, it was a defining chapter in her early public life — one she would later move beyond as she built her own identity in both business and family life.

Shoshanna Lonstein’s Jewelry Heist: A $1 Million Robbery at Her Manhattan Home

In addition to her high-profile career and public relationships, Shoshanna Lonstein has also faced serious personal setbacks, one of the most notable being a reported burglary at her Manhattan residence.

According to law enforcement sources, thieves broke into Lonstein's Upper East Side home and stole approximately $1 million worth of jewelry. The fashion designer had been away on vacation with her family when the break-in occurred. Upon returning, she discovered a closet door ajar and her safe forcibly opened.

Investigators noted that a rooftop door at the property, located at 118 E. 61st St., had been damaged during the break-in. Lonstein informed police that the family had been out of town for the holiday, leading authorities to believe the home was targeted while unoccupied.

The incident remains one of the more serious invasions of privacy Lonstein has experienced, underscoring the vulnerabilities that can come with public life, even long after the headlines fade.