THE CHIC LIST: My go-to pieces to tap into the 90s Carolyn Bessette Kennedy mood – and still look fresh and new
Everything in fashion – and, more broadly, in life –goes around in big, looping circles. And lately I’ve been reminded of that in the most unexpected ways.
My son recently developed a rather sudden and intense fixation on a Ralph Lauren quarter-zip cable knit. I have to admit, I was very surprised. Isn’t this the uniform of middle-aged men heading for the golf course or to watch rugby? Apparently not. So for his birthday – he turned 13 this year – I sauntered into Ralph Lauren’s New Bond Street store, confident I’d have his jumper gift sorted in minutes. Foolish, naive me. The brand’s quarter-zips for teenage boys his age were completely sold out – and harder to find than a teenager without a sarcastic opinion.
Shirt and leather skirt, Massimo Dutti. Sunglasses, YSL. Bag and shoes, The Row
The other reminder came at the Elsa Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition at the V&A (do check it out, it’s wildly entertaining). Having moved away from her conservative aristocratic family to Paris in the 1920s, the unconventional and talented designer was very shrewd about getting her clothes on exactly the right people. Before the age of celebrity partnerships and social media, she was influencing – aligning herself with the worlds of film and art to build her name. It feels strikingly familiar. What we now call fashion collaborations and brand strategy, she was doing instinctively nearly a century ago. Another loop in the circle – just now with better lighting and an Instagram filter.
Lately, I can’t look at social media without being besieged by images of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Junior. My brain has been so saturated with these old moments from their lives – the renewed interest in the couple down to Love Story, the TV drama about their relationship – that, at times, it feels like they’re still alive. Brands including Banana Republic and Massimo Dutti (see the outfit I’m wearing) are releasing entire new collections built around her aesthetic and the reimagined 90s mood. Even actress Dakota Johnson has been drafted in for a good old-fashioned Calvin Klein underwear campaign. Here are my go-tos for tapping into the vibe.
Shirt and leather skirt, Massimo Dutti. Sunglasses, YSL. Bag, The Row
1 Kick-flare trousers and jeans. Wear with a simple white T-shirt and you’re done.
2 Three-quarter-sleeve tops. Hitting just below the elbow, these are a hero piece for layering.
3 Black court shoes to pair with a 90s pencil skirt.
4 The super-versatile slip dress.
In fashion and life nothing ever really disappears. It just pivots back around, looking slightly different.
HIT SPRING KNIT
With its deep V-neckline, this luxe cashmere knit in soft pomelo is perfect for layering.
PEARL POWER
I want all of Laura Vann’s Tides of Movement collection, which includes this pearl piece.
MY STYLE CRUSH
I’m loving this top and pencil skirt by Maison Margiela worn by Sydney Lemmon, who plays Carolyn Bessette’s sister Lauren in Love Story.
