Jenna Lyons Illness, What Disease Does Jenna Lyons Have?
by Mathelene
Updated Sep 04, 2023
Jenna Lyons Illness
Jenna Lyons, a prominent figure from "The Real Housewives of New York City" (RHONY), has opened up about her struggles with a genetic disorder known as incontinentia pigmenti, or Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome. This condition, as described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, affects various aspects of her body, including her skin, hair, and teeth. The disorder has left Jenna with distinct challenges, including bald spots, small or missing teeth, and noticeable skin discolorations.
In a revealing conversation with her brother, Jenna shared her deep-seated anxieties about an upcoming vacation to Anguilla. She expressed her "abject terror" at the thought of wearing a bathing suit during the trip. Jenna's hesitation is rooted in her past experiences, particularly during her childhood in Palos Verdes, California, when she had to wear swimsuits. Her discolored skin made her vulnerable to hurtful comments from others, and these painful memories still affect her.
Jenna's reluctance to don a swimsuit on the vacation arises from her desire to avoid potential negative reactions from her castmates, whom she views as "gorgeous." She fears that people might perceive her skin condition as dirtiness or an unsightly blemish, not realizing that it's a genetic disorder. She recounted a hurtful incident at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, where a girl behind her in line made unkind remarks about her skin.
To manage her condition during the summertime, Jenna resorted to isolating herself. She would avoid social interactions and attempt to get a tan, believing that it would minimize the visibility of her skin imperfections. Despite her success in the fashion industry, her experiences growing up with incontinentia pigmenti have left her with lingering insecurities about her appearance.
In Jenna Lyons' candid revelation, we gain insight into the emotional toll that living with a genetic disorder can take, as well as the lasting impact of hurtful comments from others. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance when it comes to individuals facing such challenges.
Who is Jenna Lyons?
Jenna Lyons is a notable American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and television personality. She was born on June 8, 1968. She gained prominence as the executive creative director and president of the popular retailer J.Crew, a role she held from 2010 until her departure in April 2017, concluding her impressive twenty-seven-year tenure with the company. Jenna initially started her career at J.Crew in 1990 and took on various roles during her long-standing association with the brand.
In 2013, Jenna Lyons earned the moniker "Woman Who Dresses America," underscoring her significant influence in the fashion world. Beyond her work at J.Crew, she has ventured into entrepreneurship as the CEO and co-founder of LoveSeen, a brand specializing in false eyelashes for enhancing beauty.
Jenna has also made a name for herself in the realm of reality television, appearing in shows like "Stylish with Jenna Lyons" and joining the cast of "The Real Housewives of New York City" in its fourteenth season. Her multifaceted career reflects her substantial contributions to the fashion industry and her expanding presence in the world of entertainment.
Full Name
Jenna Lyons
Date of Birth
June 8, 1968
Birthplace
Boston, Massachusetts
Age (2023)
55 years old
Known For
Fashion designer, entrepreneur, TV personality
Jenna Lyons Age
Jenna Lyons, who is currently 55 years old in 2023, was born Judith Agar Lyons in Boston, Massachusetts. Her early years were marked by a move to Palos Verdes, California, at the age of four, where she encountered significant challenges, including relentless bullying. These difficulties were attributed to her gawkiness and health issues, primarily incontinentia pigmenti, a genetic disorder that left her with skin scarring, hair loss in patches, and malformed teeth, necessitating the use of dentures.
Many of Jenna's perspectives and interests can be traced back to her formative years. Reflecting on her childhood, she acknowledges that her genetic condition made her introverted but also ignited her passion for fashion. She believes that fashion has the power to transform one's identity and emotions, describing it as magical.
Jenna's mother, a piano teacher, played a pivotal role in nurturing her creative side and fostering her interest in fashion. Her rebellious spirit was evident in her early love for challenging the school uniform rules. She even began sewing in the seventh grade, which boosted her self-confidence significantly.
Jenna Lyons Career
Jenna Lyons embarked on her career at J.Crew at the age of 21, initially starting as an assistant designer in the men's wear department. Her early tasks included the redesign of men's rugby shirts for the company. As time progressed, she ascended the ranks and, by 2003, held the position of Vice President of Women's Design.
A pivotal moment in her career occurred in 2003 when former CEO and chairman Millard Drexler joined the company. Jenna Lyons and Drexler forged a close professional relationship and played integral roles in the impressive growth of J.Crew's revenue. The company's revenue soared from just under $690 million in 2003 to nearly $2 billion in 2011.
In April 2010, Jenna Lyons was appointed as the executive creative director of J.Crew, and that same year, she also took on the role of president. She emphasized the equality of creative and financial decisions, noting that they carry equal weight. In her capacity as executive creative director and president, Jenna Lyons had a significant impact on the brand's image. She reimagined the J.Crew Style Guide, infusing it with the essence of a fashion magazine.
This transformation included a notable section called "Jenna's Picks," which not only reflected her fashion preferences but also offered insights into her personal life. Lyons became synonymous with J.Crew's unique style, characterized by what The New York Times described as "geek-chic quirkiness," featuring elements like camouflage and sequins for daytime wear and denim and taffeta for evenings, all accentuated by bold costume jewelry. She played a vital role in defining J.Crew's brand identity and positioning it as a tastemaker in the fashion industry.
Although Jenna Lyons garnered fame for her work at J.Crew, she faced controversy in 2011 when she painted her then-4-year-old son's toenails hot pink. This act was met with mixed reactions, with some considering it a challenge to traditional notions of masculinity and others criticizing it. Despite the national attention it received, both Lyons and J.Crew initially refrained from commenting. Later, Jenna explained that her son had simply asked her to paint his toenails while observing her doing the same.
Jenna Lyons departed from J.Crew in April 2017, a decision influenced by declining sales and financial difficulties within the company. Her comprehensive role overseeing all aspects of the brand's aesthetics, including store design and marketing, was not retained. Instead, a new chief design officer focused more narrowly on women's, men's, and children's clothing.
Transitioning into the world of television, Jenna Lyons made her acting debut in the third season of the HBO series "Girls" in 2014, portraying a character inspired by herself as a GQ editor.
What Disease Does Jenna Lyons Have?
Jenna Lyons has a genetic disorder known as incontinentia pigmenti, also referred to as Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome. This condition affects various aspects of her body, including her skin, hair, and teeth.
Incontinentia pigmenti can cause skin discolorations, bald spots, and malformed teeth, among other symptoms. Jenna Lyons has been open about her experience with this genetic disorder, which has played a significant role in shaping her life and self-image.
Does Jenna Lyons Have a Skin Disorder?
Yes, Jenna Lyons has a skin disorder known as incontinentia pigmenti, which is also called Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome. This genetic disorder affects her skin and can lead to various skin-related symptoms, including discolorations, as well as other health issues such as hair loss and malformed teeth. Jenna Lyons has been open about her experience with this condition and how it has influenced her life and self-esteem.
Jenna Lyons Illness - FAQs
Yes, Jenna Lyons has a genetic skin disorder called incontinentia pigmenti, also known as Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome, which has affected her skin, hair, and teeth.
Jenna Lyons is an American fashion designer, businesswoman, and television personality known for her significant contributions to the fashion industry, including her role as the former Executive Creative Director and President of J.Crew.
Jenna Lyons was born on June 8, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Jenna Lyons is renowned for her instrumental role in transforming J.Crew and tripling its revenue from 2003 to 2011, earning her the title "Woman Who Dresses America."
Yes, Jenna Lyons has made television appearances, including her role in the HBO series "Girls" and her executive production and participation in the reality series "Stylish with Jenna Lyons."