What Makes Carolyn Bessette's Wedding Gown Unique? Find Out Amid JFK Jr's 'Love Story' Buzz

John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy were among the most iconic couples in the U.S. Their romance was a captivating and heavily publicised affair, often referred to as American royalty. From their dating years to their marriage, their journey has been closely observed by fans and the media alike. Their love story is receiving renewed attention following the premiere of the new FX/Hulu series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.

Due to John F Kennedy Jr's high-profile family background as the son of John F Kennedy, the 35th US president, he was always under public scrutiny. Carolyn, too, had to get used to the attention when news of their relationship started to make the rounds. As their dating deets spread like wildfire, people eagerly awaited their wedding news and media outlets let the world know when and where they became man and wife. A particularly memorable part of their 1996 wedding was Carolyn's bridal outfit, which surprised many.

Why was Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's wedding gown iconic?

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, being a fashion publicist, was well-versed in the sphere of style and chic. Her remarkable sense of style frequently caught attention, and the diva was expected to opt for an opulent and unique outfit for her wedding. However, she stunned all by opting for a simple, sleek white gown, devoid of any flamboyance. It lacked laces, embroidery, or pearl detailing, as usually seen in wedding outfits of fashionista brides.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's bridalwear exuded sophistication and royalty

Although the gown was plain with no designs, it still had a unique charm of its own. Its simplicity is what made it stand out. The choice of such an outfit for marriage with a prominent figure like John F Kennedy Jr showcased her down-to-earth personality. It created a trend of minimalist and elegant aesthetic, which continues to influence fashion even today. With the sophistication of silk and a subtle cowl neck, the gown gave off a regal vibe. Carolyn paired the gown with sheer elbow-length gloves, a simple silk tulle veil, and crystal-beaded Manolo Blahnik satin sandals. Her hair was pulled back in a bun and held by a clip that belonged to her mother-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy did not pay for her wedding gown

The dress was valued at approximately 40,000 USD; however, Carolyn didn't have to pay a penny for it, as it was gifted to her by a designer friend of hers, named Narciso Rodriguez, as reported by CNN. In an interview with media outlet PBS in 2020, the designer expressed his happiness in getting to offer his creation as a present to his friend. He said:

"I made that wedding dress with so much love for the person that I loved most in the whole world. I never viewed it as a press event."

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy opted for Narciso Rodriguez instead of big brands for her wedding gown creation

Narciso Rodriguez, a relatively unknown designer at the time, tailored Carolyn's bridal outfit and also gifted it to her. He was her friend and colleague during her time as a fashion publicist at Calvin Klein. Interestingly, she was a well-known face in the fashion industry, and reportedly, brands like Calvin Klein and Dior were interested in her bridal wear design. However, she recruited a lesser-known designer for the task of dressing her for her big day.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's dress became a trendsetter, generating demand for simple elegance

This minimalist approach to bridal wear was revolutionary, especially in an era that favoured elaborate, princess-style gowns. In the same interview, Rodriguez opened up about the magnitude of impact Carolyn's gown had in the fashion sphere and how it shifted the trend from maximalism. He said:

"There was a massive boom in this kind of very sleek silhouette. Everybody was like, 'I want to look like her.' Gone with the meringues."

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's wedding outfit has solidified a trend of understated elegance, inspiring brides to opt for less elaborate and more refined styles.

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