Best known for her role in the cast of Real Housewives of New York City, prior to her appearances on the show, Lyons had a significant and influential career in the fashion industry as a designer, creative director and a media personality.
Her success, which included leading US fashion brand J.Crew for many years, is in part thanks to her chic personal style.
The tastemaker’s famous signatures include a love of lipstick, statement glasses and a fresh approach to blending masculine and feminine clothing styles.
In 2013, Lyons was featured in Time Magazine’s list of “100 Most Influential People” and was dubbed as “The Woman Who Dresses America” by The New York Times.
Now, the star has extended one of her recognisable staples – her bold oversized glasses – to a new limited edition release with luxe US eyewear brand DITA.
Lyons has worked with the brand to release the Lyons frame, available in both sunglasses with a dark frame and smoky lenses, and a peachy-coloured optical style.
The round cat-eye-shape acetate frame reflects the star’s habit for blending playful elegance and daring design.
“There isn’t a day that goes by where someone doesn’t ask ‘where did you get your glasses?'” Lyons says.
“I felt like a walking billboard, so I literally cold called DITA and asked if we could have a more intimate relationship,” she admits. “This has never worked before – but it worked this time and I am beyond thrilled. I am obsessed.”
DITA glasses are available from selected high-end retailers Down Under and online.
Lyons has been open about a rare genetic disorder called Incontinentia Pigmenti she has had her whole life. She says the condition, which can affect the skin, eyes, teeth and hair has played a part in developing her signature look.
“I started wearing my hair slicked back because it was easier, and wearing progressive lenses,” Jenna told Oprah Daily in 2023. “This combination of hair and heavy, black-rimmed glasses became my go-to look, and I noticed in pictures I looked cleaner and less disheveled.”
Jenna revealed another reason for wearing her iconic glasses — they hide the scarring above her left eye from her condition.
In 2020 Lyons also launched her own brand, LoveSeen, that produces cruelty-free natural-looking fake lashes.
“I’m kind of obsessed with eyelashes because I don’t have any of my own,” Lyons told Vogue, explaining the wider effects of the genetic disorder. “I thought there had to be something in between eyelash extensions and giant false eyelashes,” she said of the soft, fluttery looking lashes, that are available here from MECCA.
