The Tamesis
The wait is over – first few episodes of Ryan Murphy’s FX limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Bassett has been released. While the show garnered a lot of attention in its early production, storyline, and cast, we’ve always known that one of the most important parts of the show’s storytelling was the fashion. When paparazzi-captured on-set photos first emerged, the internet was debating everything from actress Sarah Pidgeon’s hair color to her wardrobe choices, so when a last-minute change brought costume designer Rudy Mance to helm the project, we were curious to see which iconic looks and references would make it into the final cut and be resurrected throughout the show.
Caroline Bassett-Kennedy Style Checklist
Since Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has been an enduring fashion icon since the ’90s, it’s vital to protect her fashion legacy. After our first viewing, it’s safe to say that Mance did his research and pulled the character’s costumes for Caroline from archives and personal collections, directly referencing many of the pieces that make Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe unique. We quickly discovered the core hallmarks of her personal style in the first few episodes: from the minimalist pieces worn out after get off work or in the Calvin Klein office, to the slinky evening wear (always black) for many party moments, we dissected the ready-to-wear and accessories worn throughout the show, scene by scene, plus the real-life outfits that might have inspired them.
Keen to recreate your own wardrobe? Next, shop for inspiration from love story Costumes and Wardrobe of Caroline Bassett Kennedy. Rest assured, we’ll be watching this nine-part series every week and updating frequently.
Enter
exist love storyIn 1992, Calvin Klein introduced Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. at a charity event for the Amazon rainforest. We’re not entirely sure if this is fact or fiction (many believe the two actually met in a Calvin Klein showroom while she was trying on a suit for Caroline Bessette, a point highlighted later in the show), but what we do know for sure is that Bessette-Kennedy likes to wear tight black dresses at night. The one chosen in the collection was a nod to the famous strapless version Bessette-Kennedy later wore to a gala, and despite the on-screen nudity, we’ll take notes from her accessory list—including strappy pointed-toe pumps, opera-length gloves, and a boxy clutch—to recreate the feel of the look today.
