Model Elana Nair wears a white silk chiffon dress with asymmetrical bows by Dior (All photos: Eric Chow)
Before the recent, renewed obsession with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy as a direct result of Ryan Murphy’s Love Story, the world had always looked to the eternal, enduring style of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. This season, we present a modern reinterpretation of all her iconic looks supported by classic design codes.
French accents
A l’Ombre des Boulevards scarf (RM2,550) by Hermès; Panthère de Cartier sunglasses (RM4,455) and mini Tank Américaine watch in yellow gold (RM36,800) by Cartier.
Headscarves — preferably silk ones by Hermès — were made effortlessly chic when Jacqueline Kennedy took to wearing them in all manner of styles: tied around the neck, or over the head like a babushka. Oversized sunglasses were also a constant complement, as was her beloved Cartier timepiece.
Night magic
Holin pleated fine matte jersey one-shoulder neckline evening dress with cut-out detail (POA) by Ralph Lauren; ring and bracelets from the Vendôme, Love Nest, Eka and Luna collections (prices start from RM15,800) by Fope, available at Suen.
The former First Lady of the US had a love of colour and never shied away from bright shades like hot pink, sunshine yellow and riotous scarlet. Famously favouring designer Oleg Cassini for her red carpet wardrobe (she dubbed him her “Secretary of Style”), Kennedy would often choose just statement jewellery or perhaps long white gloves to complement the look.
Oh, snap
White linen dress (POA) by Fendi; bracelet (RM515,000), necklace (RM212,000) and ring (RM61,000) from the Grain de Café collection by Cartier.
Some might remember how a young Jacqueline Bouvier used to have a column called the Inquiring Camera Girl for the Washington Times Herald newspaper, famously interviewing and featuring John F Kennedy, then an up-and-coming senator from Massachusetts. Her signature accessory? A heavy Graflex camera.
Bag it!
Jackie Slim medium shoulder bag (RM9,550) paired with printed silk twill shirt (RM8,250), skirt (POA), flat Marmont belt (RM2,450) and GG motif signet ring (RM1,950), all by Gucci.
Legend has it that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis walked into a Gucci store in the 1960s and left with six crescent-shaped handbags called the Constance. Charmed by her loyalty to the hobo-shaped design with a piston-shaped closure which debuted early that decade, the Italian luxury house promptly renamed it “the Jackie bag”, immortalising it in fashion history forever.
Suits her
Brown, burgundy and yellow tweed jacket (RM70,890) paired with black and beige midi skirt (RM67,060), from the Spring/Summer 2006 collection by Chanel.
Although often told to wear and support American designers, the former First Lady was known to be an ardent admirer of the “Chanel look”, favouring it for its sleek sophistication and inimitably French style.
Red alert
Wool natté coat with Double G buttons (RM17,500), printed silk headband (RM3,650), Gucci crest signet ring (RM2,200), square frame sunglasses (RM2,010) and Jackie 1961 medium shoulder bag (RM15,000), all by Gucci.
A keen admirer of Audrey Hepburn’s gamine chic, Jacqueline Kennedy unwittingly purchased the very same red Givenchy coat owned by the actress, wearing it to the press conference where John F Kennedy’s presidential candidacy was first announced at the US Capitol in Washington, DC in 1960.
Monochrome mode
Fern green chino dress (RM26,000), gloves (RM6,300) and sunglasses (RM2,160), all by Prada.
The Queen of Camelot exuded femininity in whatever she wore but she knew how to harness the power of a dress. From clean shifts to tailored tweed, she was also partial to wearing a single but statement-making hue.
Equestrienne elegance
Pistachio poplin shirt (RM2,155), black crepe trousers (RM3,385), En Pleine Vague headband (RM675) and cashmere stole (RM1,170), all by Longchamp; Rope two-row ring in yellow gold and platinum with diamonds (RM32,700), Rope Circle bracelet in yellow gold (RM66,000) and Rope Circle necklace in yellow gold (RM122,000), all by Tiffany & Co.
An accomplished horsewoman throughout her life, Jacqueline Kennedy competed as a child and often retreated to her Virginia Farm in her later years to find pleasure and solace indulging in one of her favourite pastimes. Her casual wardrobe sometimes reflected this passion, with a functional yet chic equestrienne aesthetic, such as silk headscarves and relaxed shirts, paired with breeches and tall boots.
That 70s Show
Brown jacket (S$11,500) by Miu Miu; DNA diamond bangle in 18-carat white gold (from RM241,200) and Respirer Carre diamond bracelet in 18-carat rose and white gold (RM45,000) by DeGem.
Life away from Washington, DC’s power and pain called for a more relaxed aesthetic. Boho chic was a key source of inspiration, with large, round sunglasses and an insouciant headscarf offering a better chance of going about her business incognito.
White House
Flared draped dress with large bow detail (RM98,000), Rocks bangle (RM5,900) and Médaillon earrings in gold-finish metal (RM3,200), all by Dior.
Recreate the iconic all-white looks Jackie Kennedy wore to the 1961 Pre-Inaugural Gala and the Inaugural Ball but, this time, with a dreamy, abbreviated twist. Matching opera-length gloves are, of course, de rigueur.
This article first appeared on April 13, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
