In the Throes of CBK Mania
Maybe you’ve been tuning into the FX series “Love Story,” which centers on the turbulent and tragic relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette; or, maybe, you have just seen the neverending content online about CBK’s style. Granted, she was a true force in the fashion world, influencing ’90s fashion long before “influencer” was a real thing. Through tabloid and paparazzi street style photos she became a fashion icon in her own right. Her style mixed high and low fashion, combining thrift store finds with high-end designer pieces. However, when we look at her style it primarily appears to be more of an exercise in restraint and paired down simplicity, which I suppose, in this day in age, can appear novel. The effect of this stripped down style is that it allows her essence to shine through. She appears to be wearing the clothes versus the clothes wearing her. Her confidence takes center stage, which is what good fashion is intended to do. Additionally, the fact that people 30 years later are interested in mimicking her style and wanting to dress as her doppleganger exemplifies how powerful classic design can be. As well as, how quality materials and quality design never truly goes out of style.
The top 5 CBK Fashion Items
Oval sunglasses
C.O. Bigelow headbands
An all black ’90s modern outfit
Levi’s jeans
Loafers
As we head into the Spring and Summer seasons the lessons we can take from CBK are clear: don’t overthink your style, basics are your best friend, and confidence is the ultimate showstopper.