15 Minutes with Jenni Kayne
Author:Lindsey ShookFor more than 10 years Jenni Kayne has defined the quintessential California lifestyle with her welcoming minimalist aesthetic. Her clear perspective, authenticity, and openness have helped build the multifaceted Jenni Kayne brand, which has many loyal followers. Find out more about the woman who started it all.
Your Rip & Tan blog has allowed fans inside your life and home. How has it contributed to the brand’s success?
I originally started Rip & Tan because my friends and family always came to me for suggestions! Finally, I figured I would put it all in one place. As Jenni Kayne has grown, the blog has become more integrated with the business. I love to support my local community, friends and creatives through various features on Rip & Tan, and in turn I think our readers feel a personal connection to myself and the Jenni Kayne brand.
Through innovative programing, your retail stores are now recognized as dynamic community spaces. Why is this philosophy important to you and the brand?
Over the years, Jenni Kayne has evolved into a lifestyle brand. Our boutiques house everything from apparel and footwear to home goods and apothecary. I want to help women practice self-care and live thoughtful lives—for me that means spending time with family over a beautiful table setting or creating a seasonal floral arrangement for a friend in need. I always say that the fork you eat with is just as important as the sweater you wear! I think that women can have it all, and if my stores can play a small part in spreading this philosophy then I think it’s a success.
Why did you choose Palo Alto for your new retail location?
I’ve wanted to expand Jenni Kayne to Northern California for some time now, so when the opportunity at the Stanford Shopping Center came up, we were very excited. The Northern California community has a very sensible and classic style that aligns well with our aesthetic. I try to design pieces that are timeless, and I believe that having a uniform takes the fuss out of getting dressed in the morning. I think the Bay Area community can relate to that!
What is the most important design element when planning your stores?
Surfaces and light! We incorporate natural elements throughout the space, which I think makes our stores feel warm and inviting.
What is your favorite space at home?
My living room. My interior design taste is typically pretty clean and minimal, but I have two small children and two dogs so everything needs to be as functional as it is beautiful. I love lazy Saturday nights spent lounging around the living room with friends and family.

Photography by Roger Davies for Architectural Digest
Which musician are you listening to right now?
Leon Bridges
If you could dress one icon who would it be?
Lauren Hutton