Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has frequently drawn inspiration from the timeless style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, particularly noted during her inaugural public appearance as a member of the royal family. This connection has been highlighted as interest in Bessette’s fashion has surged following the release of the new series, “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.”
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In a notable moment two years before her own wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan explicitly praised Bessette’s iconic bridal gown. In a 2016 interview with Glamour, she expressed her admiration for Bessette’s wedding attire, stating, “Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Everything goals.” Meghan described her preference for wedding dresses that embody a classic and simple aesthetic, adding a desire for “a modern twist,” while also revealing an inclination towards whimsical or subtly romantic designs.
Carolyn Bessette married John F. Kennedy Jr. in a strikingly simple slip dress crafted by Narciso Rodriguez, who was a close friend of hers from her tenure as a publicist at Calvin Klein. The dress has since become emblematic of understated elegance dating back to their wedding in September 1996.
Reflecting a similar minimalist style, Meghan’s own wedding gown for her 2018 ceremony to Prince Harry was designed by Clare Waight Keller. The gown featured a chic open neckline and a subtle A-line silhouette, aligning with her vision of sophistication.
The connection between the two women extends beyond their wedding attire. In 2017, for her first royal outing, Meghan donned an outfit remarkably akin to Bessette’s iconic look when she was first introduced to the press by JFK Jr. Carolyn paired a camel pencil skirt with a fitted black top, complemented by tall boots and a chic black handbag. Meghan mirrored this style by wearing a beige chino-style skirt, a fitted black turtleneck, and over-the-knee boots, carrying a black purse that resonated with Bessette’s flair.
Fashion expert Pamela Keogh remarked on this resemblance, noting the intriguing nature of Meghan’s tribute to Carolyn’s aesthetic. “It was really intriguing and interesting that she wore a very similar outfit,” Keogh explained. She also commended both women for maintaining their individual styles even before entering the limelight, demonstrating a modern approach to fashion that seemed authentic and personal.
Recently, Meghan continued to channel Bessette’s timeless style in a video shared on her Instagram Stories, where she arranged flowers while wearing a wide velvet headband and a black turtleneck—both staples within Bessette’s wardrobe that have influenced contemporary fashion.
The renewed fascination with Carolyn’s elegant 1990s style can be attributed to “Love Story,” the series that provides an intimate look at the romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. The show has reimagined various moments from their lives, including the couple’s famously discreet wedding, which was crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
In the episode titled “The Wedding,” which depicts Carolyn and JFK Jr.’s nuptials on Cumberland Island, Georgia, the focus was on recreating Carolyn’s iconic gown. Costumer Rudy Mance conducted comprehensive research to reimagine the dress which had garnered considerable attention over the years. In a conversation with InStyle, Mance revealed that his team traced the original fabric to B&J, the New York store where Rodriguez had initially sourced it. Upon discovering remnants of the vintage swatch, they were able to source identical fabric from a European mill, ensuring authenticity in the adaptation.
The tailoring of Carolyn’s signature bias-cut gown was another priority, performed by courtier Anna Light, who carefully fitted it to the actress Sarah Pidgeon. A total of three versions of the dress were crafted, reflecting challenges documented in Carolyn’s intimate biographical accounts, including last-minute adjustments before walking down the aisle.
With the overwhelming acclaim for both the “Love Story” series and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s enduring style, it is clear that Meghan Markle’s admiration for her fashion legacy continues to inspire modern sartorial choices among royal watchers and fashion enthusiasts alike.