There are few people the fashion industry holds as sacred as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The Calvin Klein publicist and her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr., died in a plane crash in July 1999, at the height of their influence as New York’s most stylish couple.
Fascination with CBK’s wardrobe has continued in the 25 years since the tragedy. Bessette-Kennedy’s style was respected for its simplicity; It represented chic and classic minimalism and preferred timelessness over trends. He was a public figure for a relatively short time before his untimely death (he began dating Kennedy in 1994, they married in 1996), which means that his limited number of public and paparazzi photographs serve as a particular source of inspiration for fashion designers. As a collection, they capture a woman with a crystallized sense of her own pleasure at a particular moment in time.
This is the first time a piece from Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe has gone to auction. Bonhams will sell the Yohji Yamamoto black silk dress on June 27 as part of its Collecting Classic Luxury online sale. Marissa Speer, Bonhams’ U.S. Handbags and Fashion Sales Manager, says the piece is symbolic and is expected to fetch well above its $3,000 estimate.
“I get excited whenever I come across pieces for sale, but this was a real ‘pinch me’ moment,” says Speer. Telegram. “Anyone who works in fashion knows the name Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and many consider her the greatest fashion icon who defined ’90s minimalism. “I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present such a special Yohji Yamamoto dress directly tied to CBK.”
Bessette Kennedy had a special and personal relationship with Japanese designer Yamamoto. His was one of the few labels he wore regularly; She was also loyal to Manolo Blahnik, Miuccia Prada and Ann Demeulemeester. Speer notes that the quality of the piece has never faded in the 26 years since CBK wore it to Manhattan’s exclusive members’ venue, The Supper Club, where she was photographed alongside Jackie Kennedy’s sister, Lee Radziwill. It is a wrap-style ‘trench dress’ with innovative hybrid design elements.
Bonhams will sell the dress on behalf of Sasha Chermayeff, who was a close friend of John F. Kennedy Jr. since school and was given the dress as a gift by Lisa Bessette after her sister died.
“They were wonderful people, and I was honored to know them,” says Chermayeff. “After 25 years, it’s time to pass on some of Carolyn’s legacy.”
Speer predicts there will be significant interest from museums and institutions, as well as unconventional buyers. It looks like its low estimate of $2-3,000 will appeal to a wider audience. Many designers today, including The Row’s Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Khaite’s Gabriela Hearst and Catherine Holstein, are directly influenced by Bessette Kennedy’s paintings and can see the value in owning such a piece. Modern celebrities who aspire to achieve the fashion prestige that Bessette-Kennedy once achieved may also consider purchasing it to wear as a red carpet statement.
“I could see interest from design companies wanting to keep the dress in their archives as a source of inspiration,” says Speer. “Alternatively, there is also the fashion angle; People inspired by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style and of course we should not forget the Kennedy connection. It’s important not to forget the importance of the design itself and Yohji Yamamoto Japanese fashion fans; “This dress stands on its own as a highly coveted piece of ’90s fashion design.”
A new book last year CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion Each image of Bessette-Kennedy was published, along with comments from Edward Enninful and Michael Kors. Kors claims CBK is “a modern answer to the timeless American chic of her mother-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.” She has a social media fan club — there are Instagram accounts devoted to her outfits — @carolynbessette has more than 58,000 followers.
This auction will be an interesting test; This is the first time something Bessette-Kennedy owned, or even wore, has gone on public sale, and interest in her legacy will be gauged on a very public stage. Future fashion exhibitions, documentaries or dramas may be commissioned following great success.
Speer’s personal enthusiasm is evident and he seems confident of a strong result. “We look at Carolyn’s style today and the images look like they were shot yesterday,” he says. “It’s no surprise that he continues to pave the way as a source of inspiration.”
“I believe it is about nonconformity in its own way,” he adds. “He invented minimalism by going against seasonal trends and predominantly logo-based designs. “I believe she is the most elegant, rule-breaking person fashion has ever seen.”