JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Timeless Fascination
Alongside John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy defined America’s golden couple of the 1990s, before their untimely deaths. Now, a new drama series is delving into her struggles with fame – struggles that mirrored those of Princess Diana. With only scant recordings of her voice (less than half a minute total) and a public life spanning just five years, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy remains remarkably celebrated, perhaps even more so than during her tragically short lifetime.
As the photogenic girlfriend and then wife of JFK Jr., she became a fashion icon, gracing magazine covers and newspapers. Comparisons to Princess Diana were inevitable, yet Carolyn remained an enigma to the public. While some perceived her as aloof, friends maintained she was simply unaccustomed to the relentless glare of the spotlight. She embodied “quiet luxury” – neutral tones, minimalist glamour, and understated elegance – a style that continues to inspire today, with TikTok videos offering tutorials on how to achieve her look and Instagram accounts dedicated to her aesthetic.
A New Look at a Familiar Story
Ryan Murphy, the creator of American Horror Story and American Crime Story, is exploring the couple’s courtship and marriage in his new Love Story franchise. The series has already sparked controversy, with Jack Schlossberg, nephew of JFK Jr., criticizing Murphy for “profiting off” his uncle’s story. Fans of Bessette-Kennedy also voiced concerns over early images of actress Sarah Pidgeon portraying Carolyn, scrutinizing details like hair color and accessories.
The Essence of CBK’s Style
Sunita Kumar Nair, author of CBK: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in Fashion, describes Carolyn’s style as “mastery in simplicity: a clutch of carefully considered separates, meticulously fitted to a strict cluster of tonal hues.” Her wardrobe staples included crisp white shirts, loafers, acetate sunglasses, tortoiseshell headbands, bootcut Levi’s 517s, and long black coats. She also favoured high-end designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Ralph Lauren, Prada, and Calvin Klein.
Journalist Liz McNeil, co-author of JFK Jr: An Intimate Oral Biography, notes, “Even now, almost 27 years later, Carolyn makes it look like everyone else is trying too hard. She had an amazing eye for lines and small touches that were uniquely hers.”
Evolving Style and Public Perception
While often associated with a refined aesthetic, Carolyn’s style evolved over time. Contrary to popular belief, she did wear Converse sneakers before becoming a public figure, and sometimes favoured track pants. A natural brunette, she often let her hair air dry, embracing a more tousled look.
A Life Cut Short
Born in 1966 in White Plains, New York, and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, Carolyn was voted “Ultimate Beautiful Person” in her high school yearbook. She excelled at Boston University and eventually landed a job at Calvin Klein, rising to become the brand’s chief publicist. She dated several prominent figures before meeting John F. Kennedy Jr. in early 1994.
Their relationship blossomed, leading to an engagement in 1995 and a marriage in 1996 on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in a Narciso Rodriguez slip dress. However, the intense media scrutiny took a toll. Carolyn struggled with the constant attention, while John, accustomed to public life, may not have fully understood her difficulties.
The couple faced challenges, including a public argument and rumours of infidelity. Tragically, on July 16, 1999, John, Carolyn, and Carolyn’s sister Lauren died in a plane crash off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, adding another layer to the “curse of the Kennedys.”
An Enduring Legacy
Today, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s fame arguably surpasses that of her husband. Her mystique endures, fueled by her lack of public interviews and the rise of social media. As Liz McNeil explains, “She remains elegant, mysterious, and alluring. The circumstances surrounding both John and Carolyn will never be replicated.”
The first three episodes of Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr & Carolyn Bessette are streaming now on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK, with new episodes released weekly.
