Carolyn Bessette's Timeless Style Captivates a New Generation Through Love Story
The release of FX's hit limited series Love Story has ignited a remarkable resurgence of interest in the fashion legacy of Carolyn Bessette, the former Calvin Klein publicist who married John F. Kennedy Jr. This fascination is particularly pronounced among Gen Z, who are embracing her minimalist aesthetic despite its origins in a refusal to follow trends.
The Phenomenon Behind the Fashion Frenzy
Open TikTok, and you will find countless influencers meticulously recreating Bessette's iconic looks and makeup routines. Brands are capitalizing on this trend, with hair care company Schwarzkopf promoting a highlighting technique dubbed "foiled cashmere, inspired by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy." The series, which chronicles the tragic romance between Bessette and Kennedy, has become FX's most-watched limited series on streaming, amassing over 25 million hours viewed across its first five episodes on Disney+ and Hulu.
Previously, admirers had to rely on paparazzi photos or red carpet shots to study Bessette's style, given her intensely private nature. Now, Love Story provides a vivid visual reference, fueling a widespread emulation of her chic, no-frills approach.
Defining a Signature Style
Sunita Kumar Nair, creative director and author of CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion, argues that fashion was Bessette's primary mode of communication. "I think that was the reason why she didn't really give that many interviews, and why she felt that maybe the fashion just speaks for itself when she's public," Nair explained in an interview with the Guardian.
Bessette's style is often categorized as 90s minimalism, heavily influenced by designers like Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, Yohji Yamamoto, and Prada. Dr. Colleen Hill, senior curator of costume at the Museum at FIT, notes that this represents a shift from the opulent 1980s, focusing instead on fit and materials. "It's a real shift away from much of what we saw in 1980s fashion, which was all about showing off how fashionable you were and how much money you could spend on your clothes," she said.
The Irony of Mass Emulation
Ironically, Bessette's deeply individualized style, rooted in a strong sense of self and a disdain for popular trends, is now being mass-emulated. Nair describes her as "the antithesis of what Gen Z has been growing up with," suggesting that in an era of oversharing, her quiet mystery holds immense appeal. "The quieter you are, the more interest or mystery you engender," Nair added.
This fervor has tangible economic impacts. Recently, a Prada camel coat worn by Bessette sold for $192,000 at auction. The Fashion Auctioneer, which hosted the sale, grossed $408,750 from items including four pieces gifted to Rosemarie Terenzio, Kennedy's assistant, and twenty vintage pieces loaned to Love Story.
A Multigenerational Appeal
Lucy Bishop, fashion historian and owner of the Fashion Auctioneer, observed a magnetic pull across generations during a pre-auction exhibition in Manhattan. "Women who were of Carolyn's generation in the 90s were bringing their daughters to see the clothes," she said. "I thought that was quite sweet." Dr. Hill echoed this, noting that young women often look back to their mothers' wardrobes for chic inspiration.
Former Calvin Klein employees are also sharing their experiences. Kara Mendelsohn, who worked in sales in the late 90s, revealed strict rules like no nail polish and minimal makeup. Her daughter, Ella, posted about trying on vintage Calvin Klein pieces styled to emulate Bessette.
Retail Revival and Cultural Impact
The Bessette effect has even revitalized historic retailers. CO Bigelow, an apothecary founded in 1838, saw a viral TikTok identify it as Bessette's source for tortoise shell headbands. Owner Alec Ginsberg reported a flood of interest, with sales up 500% since 2023 and six figures' worth of hair accessories sold in February alone. "It's much easier to walk into Bigelow and play with headbands and hair accessories and feel like you're Carolyn, then to go into Calvin Klein and be like, 'let me try on a $5,000 dress,'" Ginsberg remarked.
This cultural moment underscores how Love Story has not only revived interest in a tragic love story but also cemented Carolyn Bessette's status as a timeless fashion icon, inspiring both nostalgia and new admiration across demographics.
