Ryan Murphy has defended his upcoming series 'American Love Story' after facing backlash over first-look images of stars Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon as John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The television producer told The Daily Beast that the outfits shown were merely for camera tests and not final costumes.
The Cut published a critical article titled 'These Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Costumes Don’t Fit the Bill,' comparing the looks to fast-fashion knockoffs. Murphy admitted he was taken aback by the negative reaction, noting that Bessette-Kennedy has become 'a religious figure' in fashion circles.
Murphy explained that the production has assembled a 10-person style advisory board to ensure accuracy. He revealed that the show has acquired authentic items, including multiple pairs of Manolo Blahnik heels and boots, Prada bags, and a Birkin No. 40 bag that has been deliberately scuffed to match Bessette-Kennedy's style.
A replica of her Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress is being built from scratch. Murphy plans to release 20 short videos in September showing Pidgeon in full character alongside reference images of Bessette-Kennedy to demonstrate the costume team's attention to detail.
Murphy also criticised Vogue for an interview with Bessette-Kennedy's former hairstylist Brad Johns, who dismissed the show's hair styling. Murphy said Vogue did not contact him for comment and noted that Johns mistook a wig for real hair. 'American Love Story' is set to premiere on FX on Valentine's Day.
