The latest miniseries “Love Story,” dramatizing the relationship and tragic deaths of John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, has drawn mixed reviews. While the display itself has faced criticism, one aspect is consistently receiving accolades: the costumes, particularly those worn by actress Sarah Pidgeon as Bessette Kennedy. Despite initial dismay from fans over early images, the series’ depiction of Bessette Kennedy’s style is now being lauded for its accuracy and nuanced portrayal of a fashion icon.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s influence on fashion extends far beyond her lifetime. Known for a minimalist aesthetic that blended casual comfort with sophisticated elegance, she remains a style touchstone decades after her death in 1999. The fascination with her wardrobe is such that even recreations of her looks are subject to intense scrutiny, and the “Love Story” production team faced immediate backlash when initial set photos revealed perceived inaccuracies. However, a mid-course correction, involving a new costume designer and consultation with a leading Bessette Kennedy fashion biographer, appears to have paid off.
The shift in approach proved crucial. Costume designer Rudy Mance, previously involved in Ryan Murphy’s “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,” collaborated with Sunita Kumar Nair, author of a fashion biography dedicated to Bessette Kennedy. This partnership focused on sourcing authentic pieces from the brands favored by Bessette Kennedy, including Prada and Levi’s, and paying close attention to the details that defined her style. The result, at least in the first three episodes released last Thursday, is a wardrobe that resonates with those who remember Bessette Kennedy’s effortless chic.
Capturing a Signature Style
The series’ success in recreating Bessette Kennedy’s look lies in its understanding that her style wasn’t about ostentatious displays of wealth, but rather a carefully curated sense of ease. A key example is a slip dress featured in a scene depicting her first date with Kennedy Jr. (played by Paul Anthony Kelly). The slip dress, a staple of Bessette Kennedy’s wardrobe, is presented as a deliberate choice – a balance of casual and sensual that contrasted sharply with the more formal attire favored by her mother-in-law, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, known for her patronage of designers like Gucci and Halston. The scene also cleverly uses the contrast between the dress and Kennedy Jr.’s tardiness to highlight differing perspectives on effort and presentation.
Beyond specific garments, the show’s costuming team successfully captures the nuances of Bessette Kennedy’s overall aesthetic. She was known for an exacting approach to dressing, prioritizing comfort and a sense of personal style. The series highlights a “slovenly streak” – unbrushed hair, casually draped clothing, and even the ability to elevate sweatpants – that contributed to her appeal and set her apart from the polished image often associated with the Kennedy family.
Details That Define an Era
The attention to detail extends to specific pieces and trends of the early 1990s. In one episode, Bessette Kennedy is shown commuting to perform in a black turtleneck and cropped capris, paired with square-toed Prada shoes. This outfit not only reflects her fashion sense but also demonstrates her awareness of emerging trends, specifically Prada’s revival of the square-toe shoe. Another scene features her wearing a navy sweater and sweatpants with a wrinkled white shirt, showcasing her ability to make even relaxed clothing appear intentional and stylish.
This approach to costuming distinguishes “Love Story” from productions like “The Crown,” which often prioritize exact replicas. The series instead focuses on capturing the spirit of Bessette Kennedy’s style – her priorities, instincts, and the underlying sense of freedom that defined her look. Given that Bessette Kennedy rarely gave interviews, her clothing becomes a crucial tool for understanding her personality and the pressures she faced throughout her marriage, as portrayed in the fictionalized account.
As noted by critics, Bessette Kennedy’s style conveyed a sense of liberation that, under the intense scrutiny of the media, gradually transformed into something more guarded and controlled. The show suggests that her meticulous attention to even the most pared-back clothing was, in part, a way to maintain a sense of control in a world where her every move was analyzed.
The success of the costumes in “Love Story” underscores the enduring power of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style. It’s a style that continues to inspire and captivate, and the series’ thoughtful recreation offers a new lens through which to appreciate her lasting influence on fashion.
As “Love Story” progresses, audiences will likely continue to dissect and analyze the show’s portrayal of this iconic couple and the events leading up to their tragic fate. The costumes, however, have already established themselves as a highlight, offering a compelling visual narrative that complements the show’s dramatic storyline.
What are your thoughts on the show’s depiction of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style? Share your opinions in the comments below.
