Born in 1996, I technically possess zero personal nostalgia for the 1990s. Yet, I find myself utterly captivated by everything from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's minimalist tailoring to Princess Diana's timeless elegance and Gwyneth Paltrow's effortless cool. More than two decades later, their understated style continues to represent the absolute pinnacle of 90s chic, and I remain endlessly fascinated by every silhouette, hemline, and perfectly tucked-in T-shirt.
A New Biographical Romance Anthology Series
When news broke that Ryan Murphy was creating a new biographical romance anthology series, my interest was immediately and completely captured. The first instalment promises a deep dive into one of the most iconic couples of the twentieth century: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The series, titled Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, draws inspiration from Elizabeth Beller's book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Over the course of nine episodes, the production will explore their undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship, and high-profile marriage. The cast features Sarah Pidgeon portraying Carolyn, Paul Kelly as John Jr., with Naomi Watts taking on the role of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Alessandro Nivola appearing as Calvin Klein.
Fashion, Romance, and American Royalty
For anyone fascinated by fashion, romance, and a touch of American royalty, this series represents pure catnip. Love Story pledges to capture the electric spark between Carolyn and John, a connection that was palpable from their very first meeting, as they navigated a profound love story under the relentless and intense glare of the public eye. The series is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on the 13th of February.
Controversy and Backlash Surrounding the Project
Naturally, nothing associated with Ryan Murphy arrives without a measure of drama. The project initially faced a name change, shifting from American Love Story to the simpler, more internationally appealing title Love Story. Subsequently, significant family backlash emerged. JFK Jr.'s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, publicly condemned the production, accusing the team of profiting from his uncle's life without proper consultation or consent.
Furthermore, early fashion drama erupted when on-set photographs of Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn began circulating. Critics immediately noted that her wardrobe appeared disappointingly 'off the rack,' the iconic Birkin bag was the incorrect size (a 35 instead of her signature 40), and even the hairstyle lacked authenticity. Brad Johns, Carolyn's former hair colourist, observed that the on-screen version looked 'too 2024' and missed the distinctive buttery tones that defined her signature look. For a series centred on one of the 90s' ultimate It-girls, these inaccuracies presented a substantial problem.
Addressing the Criticism and Overhauling the Look
Ryan Murphy directly addressed the growing backlash, clarifying that the criticised images were merely test shots and not representative of the final wardrobe. Following this, he and executive producer Brad Simpson assembled a dream team of ten consultants, including Bessette's biographer, Elizabeth Beller. They made the decisive move to replace the original costume designer with Rudy Mance, who boarded a plane within twenty-four hours to completely overhaul the entire aesthetic.
Mance, a former Condé Nast fashion assistant turned veteran of Murphy's productions, led a team of forty people. His efforts included tracking down a Canadian collector possessing over thirty authentic pieces from designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Valentino, and Prada, which perfectly mirrored Carolyn's original wardrobe.
The Challenge of Authentic Storytelling Through Fashion
Recreating her iconic style involved far more than simply sourcing clothes everyone remembered from 1996 to 1999. Rudy Mance explained to Vanity Fair that the most significant challenge was determining how to narrate her story through clothing, particularly capturing who she was before becoming relentlessly photographed. Observing the early paparazzi shots of Pidgeon embodying Carolyn, the attention to detail is breathtaking. Every element, from the classic little black dress to the L.L.Bean tote and Havaianas flip-flops, now unmistakably evokes 90s perfection.
The first three episodes of Love Story will be available on Disney+ starting the 13th of February, with new episodes released every subsequent Friday. Personally, my calendar is already cleared. Between the captivating romance, the surrounding scandal, and, most importantly, the meticulously recreated fashion, this series is decisively shaping up to become my next major television obsession.
