On 20 October 1968, Jackie Kennedy, the former First Lady of the United States, married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in a private ceremony on his idyllic island of Skorpios in Greece. This marriage marked a significant chapter in her life, indicating both personal evolution and a shift in her public persona.
Jackie’s wedding was an intimate affair, attended by just 40 close friends and family, which included her two young children, Caroline and John. The ceremony unfolded in a small church on the island, surrounded by lush beauty and a sense of seclusion, distancing the couple from the public eye. This departure from the larger-than-life atmosphere associated with her first wedding to President John F. Kennedy in 1953 reflected a more personal approach to her second nuptials.
A striking aspect of this marriage was Jackie’s choice of wedding attire. She opted for a knee-length dress designed by Valentino, which was a notable shift from the traditional, luxurious white gown she wore on her first wedding day. Unlike the elaborate silk taffeta ball gown created by Ann Lowe for her marriage to JFK, this modern outfit embodied the spirit of the 1960s, incorporating elements such as a mock turtleneck, bishop sleeves, and a pleated skirt, adorned with floral lace that echoed the era’s trends.
Fashion experts have noted the significance of Jackie’s wedding dress. Marissa Speer, head of fashion sales at renowned auction house Bonhams, remarked on its unorthodox design for a bridal gown. She stated, “Jackie’s wedding dress was groundbreaking for the time, being an unconventional short dress.” This outfit marked a pivotal transition for Jackie, from being the ‘Queen of Camelot’ to a style icon, illustrating her newfound independence and personal choice in fashion.
The decorum of the occasion also resonated with the ambience of the late ’60s. Jackie completed her look with a simple white ribbon in her hair, a popular hair accessory of the time, further showcasing her modern approach to style. The former First Lady had previously donned several Valentino creations during the decade, solidifying her connection to the designer as a staple in her wardrobe.
As the couple stepped out of the small church, tradition mixed with modernity; guests showered them with rice and sugared almonds, symbolising fertility and happiness. Jackie’s sister, Lee Radziwill, took on the role of matron of honour, while her children participated in the ceremony by holding candles, encapsulating a familial warmth during the intimate event.
In the lead-up to the wedding, Jackie had decided to keep the plans tightly under wraps. Her assistant and nanny, Kathy McKeon, recounted to People magazine that Jackie had only informed her about the surprise nuptials a mere 72 hours before the ceremony. McKeon, who helped Jackie prepare for the occasion, attested to her slight nerves as the day approached, a poignant reminder that despite her public persona, Jackie remained relatable and human.
Reflecting on her marriage, Jackie later expressed contentment, telling reporters, “We are very happy.” This statement, however, would mark a brief moment of joy in her life. Tragically, the union with Onassis only lasted six and a half years. The shipping magnate passed away in March 1975 from respiratory failure, prompting yet another transformation in Jackie’s life as she navigated her role as a widow and mother once more.
The marriage between Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis remains a significant touchstone in both their lives and in the cultural history of the time. It encapsulates the evolution of a woman who had quickly shifted from the pinnacles of American society to a figure of intrigue and independence in her personal journey, reflected vividly through her fashion choices and lifestyle adjustments in response to changing times.