JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Enduring Style Legacy
In October 1998, a seemingly ordinary photograph of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy walking her dog in Tribeca captured the fashion world’s attention. Dressed in a precisely cut camel Prada coat, her understated elegance felt revolutionary. This image, embodying cool composure and minimalist chic, has become a timeless fashion reference, frequently resurfacing in mood boards and Pinterest inspiration dedicated to CBK and 1990s style.
Nearly three decades later, pieces from Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe are being showcased in a new auction in Chelsea, a testament to her enduring influence. Independent auctioneer Lucy Bishop, known as The Fashion Auctioneer, launched bidding this morning on 25 lots connected to CBK’s iconic looks.
A Glimpse into Carolyn’s Closet
Four pieces originate directly from Bessette-Kennedy’s own closet, gifted in the 1990s to Rosemarie Terenzio, John F. Kennedy Jr.’s longtime assistant and former George magazine staffer. The remaining garments come from a private collector who also lent items to the wardrobe department of Love Story, the Ryan Murphy-created television series streaming now.
Highlights include two different camel Prada coats – the very ones Bessette-Kennedy frequently wore while strolling through downtown New York with JFK Jr. Also up for auction is an eggshell-white Prada coat, gifted to Terenzio after CBK deemed it “too Miami” for New York’s climate. A Yohji Yamamoto evening ensemble, with its beaded cuffs, reflects the sleek sophistication she favoured for formal events, including White House appearances. Numerous Prada separates – a camel skirt, structured outerwear, and glossy patent shoulder bags – showcase the disciplined uniform she wore daily.
“Carolyn was like my fairy godmother,” Terenzio shares. “She was incredibly generous with her time and clothes. She didn’t just give things away; she had a keen eye for what would suit you, and it always did. I cherished these pieces for years, and now it’s time for others to enjoy them.”
The Journey to Auction
Bishop has been quietly organizing this sale for nearly a decade. Initially contacted by the anonymous private collector almost 10 years ago, the idea was initially dismissed by a former employer. “No one will want those,” she was told. Bishop, however, believed otherwise.
A previous auction in December 2024, featuring three coats – a black Prada, a vintage leopard, and a Yohji Yamamoto jacket – garnered a combined $177,600, with Staud designer Sarah Staudinger as the winning bidder. This demonstrated the market’s appetite for CBK’s style.
The current sale features four garments directly traceable to Terenzio, including the two most photographed Prada coats. These pieces carry the highest estimates. The remaining 21 items come from the anonymous collector, who acquired them in 2017 via eBay from a seller claiming they belonged to Bessette-Kennedy, originally obtained from a former George magazine staffer in 2011. While attempts to verify the provenance have been unsuccessful, the auction estimates reflect this uncertainty.
A Cultural Moment
The auction coincides with the buzz surrounding the Love Story television series, which has sparked intense scrutiny of its costume design. Viewers have meticulously analyzed everything from the actor’s hair to the cut of the camel coats, highlighting the iconic nature of Bessette-Kennedy’s style. Production on the show was adjusted to incorporate more authentic vintage pieces, including those from the same private collector.
For devoted fans of Bessette-Kennedy, attending the exhibition – open next Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, in Chelsea – may feel like a pilgrimage. Bidding is open now and closes on March 3.
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