Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, often referred to as CBK, remains an iconic figure in American culture. Her sudden death in 1999 alongside her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr., and her sister, Lauren Bessette, only added to the mystique surrounding her. While much has been said about her impeccable style, her personal struggles and the real woman behind the image are often overlooked. This article delves into the various facets of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's life, including her approach to diet and exercise, her struggles, and the enduring legacy she left behind.
A Style Icon Forged in Silence
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's influence on fashion is undeniable. As Sunita Kumar Nair notes in her book, "CBK: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in Fashion," her style wasn't about calling attention to herself, but rather deflecting it, paradoxically drawing more attention in the process. She was a fashion person, one who worked in public relations at Calvin Klein before her marriage. Known for a classic minimalistic aesthetic, Carolyn's wardrobe choices continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today.
Her minimalist aesthetic, characterized by clean lines, tailored fits, and a muted color palette, has been analyzed and emulated for decades. As one fashion observer noted, her outfits, when viewed in isolation, might seem "boring-ass outfits." However, it was Carolyn herself who made the clothes interesting.
She understood that true style isn't about transformation but about trusting oneself. She didn’t chase style; she edited it. Her wardrobe was a study in restraint-each piece chosen with intention, each silhouette calibrated to her frame. This clarity is rare.
Her style choices reflected an emotional intention, framing her in a way that didn't distract or overshare. She mastered minimalism by building a foundation of mix-and-match pieces that worked seamlessly together. Carolyn was remembered for her understated elegance, often pairing Levi’s 517s with a black turtleneck sweater, a skinny black leather belt, and her simple gold wedding band. She preferred Bobbi Brown Sheer Lipstick in Ruby.
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The Woman Behind the Image
Beyond the fashion icon, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was a complex and multifaceted individual. Those who knew her describe a warm, kind, and nurturing person, someone with a great sense of humor and a genuine interest in others. She was a caretaker, someone who made people feel like they were the only person in the room. She had a distinct laugh and lit up a room. She was always thinking of others; very aware that people focused on her beauty, she went out of her way to be kind and make people feel comfortable. She had charisma, was mesmerizing, captivating, magnetic, electric, and dynamic. She was a big reader-Charlotte Brontë and Henry James-and had a great sense of humor. Her favorite foods were mashed potatoes and scooped-out bagels loaded with tomatoes. She had a tireless work ethic at Calvin Klein.
Contrary to the "ice queen" reputation often portrayed in the media, Carolyn was an empath, highly sensitive and always considerate of others. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She had understated elegance. She was known for having intense, interesting conversations. She had freckles on her nose that “glowed whenever she blushed,” her ex-boyfriend and former Calvin Klein model Michael Bergin wrote about her in his book. He also added that she “oozed class.”
Diet, Exercise, and Personal Struggles
Information regarding Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's specific diet and exercise routine is scarce. However, insights can be gleaned from anecdotes and observations.
Dietary Habits: While there is no detailed account of her daily meals, it is known that Carolyn enjoyed simple comfort foods like mashed potatoes and bagels with tomatoes. It is mentioned that when she started dating JFK Jr, in 1994, she dropped 15 pounds with the help of cigarettes and cocaine [to kill her appetite],' Callahan writes.
Exercise: Carolyn wasn't a big exerciser, but she lived in New York City and likely walked everywhere, which contributed to her slim physique.
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health: New light has been shed on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's struggles with substance abuse during her troubled relationship with JFK Jr. As a result, Carolyn began taking 'anti-depressants on top of the cocaine', Callahan writes.
The Tumultuous Relationship with JFK Jr.
Carolyn and JFK Jr. married in 1996, but 'almost immediately, there were problems', Callahan says. They argued regularly - including in public, famously rowing in a New York park, where JFK Jr. was pictured 'shoving' Carolyn, then trying to 'yank off her engagement ring with such force that the stone broke.'
The Unfair Blame and Lasting Impact
'In the aftermath of [the crash], it was Carolyn's vanity, her superficiality, her drug use, her all-around "shrewish" behavior that was often blamed for leading [JFK Jr.] to crash his plane into the ocean,' Callahan writes. 'Carolyn has only ever been depicted as the drug-addled harridan who made the last days of America's prince so miserable,' she adds. 'The implication: if John Jr.
Despite the tragic circumstances of her death and the negative portrayals that followed, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's legacy endures. She remains a style icon, a symbol of understated elegance, and a reminder of the complexities of life behind the public image. Those who knew her remember her warmth, kindness, and generosity, qualities that far outweigh the superficial judgments often cast upon her.
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