For decades, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis—better known as Jackie Kennedy—has been a fashion icon. Her elegance and class made an impact on the fashion world in the 60s, and it continues to make an impact to this day. From her iconic inaugural ball dress to her famous pillbox hat, she served up some of the most iconic fashion statements in US history.
Jackie Kennedy was the wife of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. They met when Jackie was just 23 years old at a dinner party in Washington, DC in 1952. In September of 1953, they got married in Newport, Rhode Island. Jackie’s wedding dress has been iconic for decades—and for great reason.
Her elegant and beautiful ivory gown was flattering and classy. The dress stems from French inspiration, bringing together both the fashion and culture of the country. Between the portrait neckline of the gown and the full and puffy bouffant skirt, the dress was simple and beautiful. The veil Jackie wore was her grandmothers. It was designed by Ann Lowe, who was an African American dress
maker.
Following her husband’s inauguration in January of 1961, Jackie attended the inaugural ball in a sweeping off-white gown. The dress she wore to the event is what sparked her as the newest American fashion icon. The dress was simple, no major details, however, it was elegant, classy and sophisticated. Infact, the dress was made by
Ethel Frankau who used sketches drawn by Ms. Kennedy herself.
Another iconic moment for Jackie’s fashion was the mint green “shift-dress.” This was worn by the former first lady while she was out having a picnic at a park. The color was elegant and the dress was both stylish and comfortable. The green color put an emphasis on the nature and trees that she was surrounded by and quickly became one of the most well-known outfits worn by her.
Jackie’s iconic pink Christian Dior dress that she wore when attending the state dinner in 1962 to
honor the Minister of the State of Culture Affairs for France, André Malraux, is easily
regarded as one of her best looks. Although the dress itself is very simple with no extra patterns or accents, her white gloves and small gold clutch is what truly ties this look together. She looked as if she was pulled out from a Disney princess movie.
On the day of her husband’s assassination in November of 1963, Jackie wore what would become one of the most iconic outfits in United States history. The first lady loved a good pillbox hat-moment, which appeared in this outfit. The iconic pink-suit set was knock-off Chanel and actually made by Chez Ninon, who was based in Manhattan and was known for making designer dupes for celebrities.
This look was also iconic for exposing to the American public what had happened to her husband. Following her husband’s assassination, her outfit was stained with blood from her husband—who had endured two rifle shots. Famously—when one of Jackie’s assistants offered to help her change into a new outfit—Jackie stated, “Let the people see what he’s done to Jack.”
Jackie Kennedy’s impact on fashion can still be seen lingering in trends and designs today. She is continually remembered as one of the most influential and stylistic first ladies. She will forever be remembered for her many contributions to the fashion industry but the American people as well.
Works Cited:
https://fizzymag.com/articles/how-jacqueline-kennedy-onassis-style-impacted-fashion-industry
