Jackie Kennedy Onassis: The Original American Fashion Girl
By Alexus Mosley
All images are courtesy of Getty Images
Most of the world was introduced to Jackie Kennedy (born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier) when she assumed the role of First Lady of the United States in 1961, wife to President John F. Kennedy. As the youngest couple to ever take office, the Kennedys represented buoyancy, enthusiasm, and newness in the White House. However, it is oftentimes the poise, prestige, and beauty of Jackie Kennedy that the brief tenure is remembered for.
André Leon Talley spoke to the appeal and captivation of Jacqueline Kennedy in his book, The Chiffon Memoir: A Memoir. “Like most Americans, my grandmother and I watched the presidential inauguration of John F. Kennedy, as it was a defining moment in a new era for our country. It symbolized hope and it symbolized glamour. Jackie Kennedy was the youngest First Lady and she was an influencer - perhaps the first influencer of the modern world.”
Influence is one of the many attributes Jackie Kennedy Onassis provided far beyond her short-lived time as First Lady. Charming, gracious, and ambitious, what we cherish most about the socialite, writer, photographer, and editor is her style. Today we’re sharing our favorite style moments of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, the original American fashion girl.
18-year-old Jackie poses for Vogue in 1948.
Newlywed Jackie on her wedding day in 1953 wearing an ivory dress designed by NYC dressmaker, Ann Lowe.
Jackie Kennedy attends the April in Paris Ball, 1959.
Captured in 1961, Chanel and Olegni suits as well as pillbox hats and white gloves become a signature for Jackie in her First Lady era.
Perfect in Pink! Jackie wears Christian Dior while accompanying President John F. Kennedy at a state dinner in honor of the Minister of State for Cultural Affairs of France, 1962.
Jackie shines bright while visiting India in 1962 wearing pastel orange and pearls, both of which become another signature for her.
Lovely in lavender, Jackie visited the National Gallery of Art in 1963 wearing an evening gown and elbow length gloves.
Captured on the day of President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, the First Lady arrives at the Dallas airport wearing a pink Chanel suit. She famously kept the blood stained suit on during the swearing in of Vice President as he took oath of president.
Jackie being presented with silver finger bowls by the Cambodian Prince Sihanouk, Cambodia 1967.
Jackie at the Metropolitan Opera in Lincoln Center, 1967.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis wears a Valentino dress to marry Greek magnate, Aristotle Onassis, in 1968.
Jackie shops in Capri, 1969.
A life-long equestrian, Jackie Kennedy attends the 17th Annual Horse Show in 1970.
Jackie in New York circa 1970
Jackie in a power suit, 1971.
Jackie sparkles at the opening of a dance photography exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York City, 1978
Jackie attends the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1979.
Jackie leaves the cinema in New York City, 1981