Dressed in Chanel and speaking fluently in French, Jacqueline Kennedy's daughter Caroline opened an exhibition of dozens of her mother's style-setting ensembles at Paris's Musee de la Mode et du Textile on Monday.
Caroline, who was accompanied by her uncle, Senator Edward Kennedy, recalled how her mother, who once studied French art and literature at the Sorbonne, was "inspired" by Paris, and had a love for French haute couture. The creations on display reflect Jacqueline's fondness for fashion – among the pieces are an embroidered dress by Hubert de Givenchy, a red Pierre Cardin suit, a Chanel coat and a selection of Jackie's famous pill box hats.
The showing of more than 70 emblematic outfits from the young first lady's public life from 1959 to 1963 marks a return of sorts for the late style-setter, whose 1961 state visit sparked an enduring fascination among the French. Stylish Jackie was said to have charmed the public so much during the trip that her husband President John F Kennedy, Jr joked he felt the need to introduce himself as "the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris."
Jackie's famously good taste helped build the image of Camelot and made her a fashion icon. "Thanks to her own sense of style (she) represented President Kennedy and America in a way that captured the imagination of the world then, and still does today," reflected Caroline.
Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years, which also includes an exhibition of more than 200 documents, films, photos and other historical objects, opens Tuesday and runs through March 16.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
