Jenna Lyons Joins RHONY: Unpacking the Life and Style of the Fashion Icon

The highly anticipated Season 14 of The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY) is set to introduce a fresh dynamic to Bravo’s beloved franchise, and among its most intriguing new cast members is none other than fashion luminary, Jenna Lyons. Her addition was a highlight of BravoCon 2022, announced live during a taping of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Sunday, October 16. Lyons, 54 at the time of the announcement, brings a unique blend of high fashion credibility, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal candor to the show, promising a season unlike any other. Filming commenced in the fall, with a premiere anticipated in 2023.

Following the exciting news that she would be joining the cast of The Real Housewives of New York, Jenna took to her Instagram Story to share a heartfelt message with her followers. “I just wanted to say, a really heartfelt thank you. I have had the most incredible messages from people I haven’t heard from in a really long time, and it feels so nice, and I thank you. I know this is a really unusual and unexpected thing, but thank you to everyone who’s been so kind,” she expressed. Her humility and genuine appreciation instantly endeared her to a burgeoning fanbase eager to see her navigate the world of reality television. Before she makes her grand debut on RHONY, let’s delve into everything you need to know about the multifaceted Jenna Lyons, from her trailblazing career to her personal journey.

1. Jenna Lyons: A Visionary at J.Crew

Jenna Lyons’ name is synonymous with J.Crew, where she spent the majority of her illustrious career. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, she joined the renowned clothing company at the tender age of 21 and steadily climbed the corporate ladder, demonstrating an undeniable talent and a keen eye for style. Her ascent was meteoric: she was appointed Executive Creative Director in 2008 and later President in 2010. During her pivotal tenure, Lyons became the driving force behind J.Crew’s transformation, evolving it from a catalog retailer into a global fashion powerhouse known for its distinctive blend of preppy chic and accessible luxury.

Under her creative leadership, J.Crew became a go-to brand for both everyday wear and special occasions, appealing to a wide demographic with its elevated basics and vibrant styling. She championed a look that was effortlessly cool, mixing high and low fashion elements long before it became mainstream. Lyons herself, with her signature thick-rimmed glasses, artfully disheveled hair, and impeccable personal style, became the de facto face of the brand, embodying the J.Crew aesthetic. She even pioneered a hugely successful segment of the brand called “Jenna’s Picks,” which showcased her personal favorites and styling tips, per The New York Times. This initiative not only boosted sales but also solidified her status as a style icon whose influence extended far beyond the pages of fashion magazines. After shaping an entire generation’s wardrobe, Jenna Lyons eventually departed from the company in 2017, leaving behind an indelible legacy that continues to resonate in the fashion industry.

2. No Stranger to the Reality TV Spotlight

While RHONY is undoubtedly a major platform, Jenna Lyons is not entirely new to the world of unscripted television. Her previous foray into reality TV came in the form of her own series, Stylish With Jenna Lyons, which premiered on HBO Max in December 2020. This eight-episode series offered viewers an intimate look into Jenna’s post-J.Crew life, showcasing her entrepreneurial ventures and design sensibilities. The show centered around Jenna and her diverse team of designers as they tackled a variety of projects across the fashion and lifestyle world, ranging from interior design challenges to product development and brand collaborations.

Stylish With Jenna Lyons highlighted her creative process, her exacting standards, and her unique approach to aesthetics, demonstrating her ability to innovate and inspire beyond traditional corporate roles. It provided a more nuanced portrait of the former executive, revealing her wit, her perfectionism, and her collaborative spirit. Although the fate of a potential second season remains unclear, this prior experience undoubtedly provides Lyons with valuable insight into the demands and dynamics of reality television production. Her comfort in front of the camera, coupled with her experience in crafting compelling narratives through visual storytelling, suggests she will be a natural and compelling fit for the RHONY cast, bringing an authentic perspective to the franchise.

3. Her Public Relationships: Marriage and Beyond

Given her prominent position at J.Crew and her widespread fame within the fashion world, Jenna Lyons’ personal relationships have naturally garnered significant public interest. For a substantial part of her early career, she was married to artist Vincent Mazeau. The couple’s journey began in 1996 when they started dating, leading to their marriage in 2002. However, after nearly a decade together, they eventually decided to separate in 2011. Notably, even after their split, Lyons and Mazeau continued to live together for a brief period, showcasing a complex and mature approach to their evolving relationship, as reported by People.

Following her divorce from Vincent, Jenna entered into a highly publicized romantic relationship with interior designer Courtney Crangi, which lasted from 2012 until 2017. Lyons made their relationship public in a truly iconic moment, accepting one of Glamour Magazine’s “Women of the Year” awards. In her acceptance speech, she movingly included thanks to “Courtney, who has shown me new love,” as recounted by The Times. This public declaration was not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment of visibility and acceptance within the fashion and LGBTQ+ communities. The end of their relationship was later revealed in a December 2017 NYT profile on her striking Soho home, detailing the evolution of her personal life alongside her career.

4. Motherhood and the “Pink Toenails” Controversy

During her marriage to Vincent Mazeau, Jenna Lyons became a mother to their son, Beckett. Jenna has often spoken fondly of Beckett’s early interest in fashion, revealing in a 2010 appearance on Oprah that he enjoyed helping her get dressed, a charming insight into their mother-son bond. While Beckett generally remains out of the intense media spotlight that surrounds his mother, he once became the unexpected subject of a national debate.

This occurred when he was featured in a J.Crew catalog photo alongside Jenna, showing her painting his toenails pink. What was intended as a sweet, candid mother-son moment quickly sparked widespread controversy. Certain news outlets, notably Fox News, criticized the image, framing it as an attempt to undermine traditional gender roles and questioning its appropriateness. The incident even led to a parody on The Daily Show. Jenna, however, consistently defended the photo, explaining it as a simple, joyful bonding moment. In a 2011 profile for The New Yorker, she clarified, “I was painting my nails and Beckett wanted his nails painted, too. I’m not surprised that he was interested in what I was doing. My God, my toes went from white to hot pink—it was very exciting.” Her response underscored her belief in allowing her son to express himself freely and embracing moments of connection, regardless of societal expectations. Despite the occasional public appearance, Jenna remains protective of Beckett’s privacy, though she has occasionally shared glimpses of him on her Instagram page, such as a photo of him holding their dog in January 2020, captioning it with a touching note about them being the “two faces I missed the most.”

5. Living with Incontinentia Pigmenti: A Story of Resilience

Jenna Lyons has lived with a rare genetic disorder called incontinentia pigmenti since birth. With remarkable candor and bravery, the fashion mogul has been very open about her condition, which has notably affected her physical appearance, including her teeth. According to The Times, this has led her to wear dentures for the majority of her life. Her openness about this deeply personal aspect of her life has not only demystified the condition for many but has also made her an inspiring figure of resilience and self-acceptance.

She has shared raw and honest photos and reflections about her experience on her Instagram. In an August 2022 post, she wrote, “The first pic is me – little one – teeth shaped like cones. It affects the skin, teeth, and hair… I grew up with horrible teeth and horrible teasing. I didn’t smile – ever – covered my mouth.” This candid admission sheds light on the profound impact the condition had on her childhood and self-esteem. Incontinentia pigmenti, also known as Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome, is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the skin, hair, nails, teeth, and central nervous system. As outlined by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), some of its common symptoms include characteristic skin lesions appearing early in childhood, dental anomalies such as cone-shaped or missing teeth, and patches of hair loss (alopecia). Lyons’ decision to share her story publicly is a testament to her strength, transforming a source of past vulnerability into a platform for advocacy and connection, inspiring countless others to embrace their unique journeys.

Jenna Lyons’ journey to The Real Housewives of New York is a testament to her multifaceted persona. From revolutionizing a beloved American brand to openly sharing her personal battles and triumphs, she embodies a blend of fierce independence, creative genius, and authentic vulnerability. As she steps into the world of reality television, viewers can expect a refreshing and stylish addition to the Bravo family, offering a glimpse into the life of a true fashion icon who continues to redefine what it means to be a “housewife” in the heart of New York City.