In the world of Jenna Lyons, daytime sequins reign supreme, neons are ubiquitous, and breaking tradition is a necessity. With her signature thick-rimmed frames and her penchant for pairing the joyfully unexpected together, Lyons is a certifiable style icon for the ages. The former J. Crew president and executive creative director has built a loyal following for her knack for styling preppy staples, tuxedos, estate costume jewelry and big skirts–almost always with an orange-hued red lip. In 2013, at the height of her J. Crew popularity, The New York Times dubbed her “The Woman Who Dresses America.”
These days, Lyons keeps busy with Loveseen, her own line of natural, false lashes while taking on one-off interior design projcts. But perhaps her most-attention grabbing role to date has been her role and appearance as a Real Housewife of New York. Certainly atypical of the usual Bravo celebrity, Lyons brought a hefty dose of true individuality and New York style to the show. Earlier this fall, when she wore a pair of jeans to the reunion, she subconsciously subverted the de facto Real Housewives wardrobe in a single step. According to social media and the tabloids, it was groundbreaking. Dressing like a reality television star never looked better.
Her personal style permeates the fashion stratosphere: A faux fur leopard print coat with a striped navy blue and white boat neck sweater, anyone? Sheer shirts and topless open blazers worn with slouchy jeans? It’s the ethos of high-low dressing that’s become so popular in our vernacular. But it’s also the sort of quirky one-of-a-kind look and perfected personal style that dreams are made of–always with a smart, weird and wonderful twist. Naturally, there is no one better to compile a list of weird and wonderful gift ideas for the holidays.
So, what’s on her gifting list this year? A collection of items that traverse food, fashion and home, each one with their own unique whimsy. There’s the most stylish cheese grater you’ve ever seen, for instance. A creative and colorful candle that melds together the shape of a bat, star, and fish, all in one. And of course, an inky black latex cat-eared hood. If you’re looking for a gift for your most unusual friend, or just anyone else who appreciates something a little bit off-kilter, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for Lyons’s holiday gift list.
