Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

This week’s blog post for Gary Kayye?? CTS 's class covers one of my favorite influencers, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.?

When people talk about Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy today, they usually mention her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr., her minimalist style, and her tragic death in 1999. While many see her as a private woman suddenly put in the spotlight, she had a life of her own before she became famous. Friends and family remember her as beautiful, successful, and well-loved, long before JFK Jr. came into the picture.

Carolyn was born on January 7, 1966, and many believed she was destined for greatness. She had a relatively ordinary childhood before attending Boston University, where she made a name for herself in the fashion industry. She worked her way up the ladder at Calvin Klein, starting as a saleswoman and eventually becoming the director of publicity. ?She played a key role in saving the brand after convincing them to hire Kate Moss for a new campaign. After about seven years at Calvin Klein, she decided to slow down and focus on charity work.

In the 1990s, Carolyn and JFK Jr. represented a new generation of the iconic Kennedy family, merging fashion, pop culture, and politics in New York. This era was defined by a shared cultural aesthetic that prized elegance. After her marriage, Carolyn chose not to give interviews, which meant her fashion choices became a reflection of her identity. She skillfully used style to navigate public life while maintaining her privacy. This “stealth wealth” and minimalistic style continues to inspire many today.?

Last year, the brand Sporty & Rich launched a campaign recreating iconic paparazzi moments of Carolyn and JFK Jr. Designers ranging from Carolina Herrera to Sandy Liang have incorporated elements of her look into their collections, reinforcing her status as a muse for the current fashion industry. The rise of minimalist fashion aligns perfectly with Carolyn’s aesthetic.?

There has even been a noted increase in white shirts and minimalist designs in recent fashion shows which resemble her understated chic. In a world where people tend to believe bold and flashy styles reflect how much you have, she always showcased that less is more.

Carolyn’s wardrobe only consisted of about 30-40 high quality pieces, mostly black pants and well-fitted shirts. This speaks volume in comparison to today’s fast fashion and idea that you cannot be seen in the same thing twice. Her intentional simplicity enhances her appeal, making her captivating not only for her style but also for how she wore those pieces in her daily life.

As the fashion world reflects on her influence, many designers and fans alike ponder what she would wear today, keeping her memory alive in a way that resonates in an age of constant image saturation.

UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media