Style Icons: CBK

What makes a style icon? 

In my opinion, there are those whose personal taste we admire and then there are those whose style transcends the masses, when they are not the one being influenced by trends, but become the one setting them. So many individuals fall into this category, it evolves with every generation and era, but each person is unique and fascinating in his or her own right. We each are inspired by different people, because our personal style is our greatest visual representation of our personalities. It is our message to the world, our daily self expression. Icons have the ability to see beyond what is in vogue, but opts rather for what suits them, someone with unique perspectives and streamlined aesthetics. I have a plethora of women whose fashion sense I look to when determining my own. It's not about recreating their looks, but about absorbing their spirit and channeling it. It's about adapting their perspective and building your own. My hope is that this will become an on going series, a retrospective on those who influenced the world of fashion. 

One of the most acknowledged fashion icons is Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The Kennedy's are the closest thing the United States has to royalty. We, as a nation, have been captivated by them for nearly a century. When a Calvin Klein publicist manages to capture the heart of the world's more eligible bachelor she also acquired the fascination of every girl who dreamt of becoming Mrs. John Kennedy Jr. Just a child during this era, it's difficult to speak to just how massive the media attention was but from what I read it was immense. By all accounts, Bessette-Kennedy carried herself with nothing but poise, confidence and sophistication. Couple those admirable qualities with a model-like figure and effortless minimalist taste, it's no mystery how Carolyn became one of the greatest style icons of all time. 

Carolyn's autumnal style held a particular level of perfection, so I could think of no one better to highlight.    Perhaps the earliest proponent of the capsule wardrobe, CBK was a big believer in investing in versatile pieces. Being such a loyalist to neutrals and classic pieces, Carolyn's wardrobe is just as relevant today as it was twenty years prior. Below you will find Carolyn inspired pieces to incorporate into your own wardrobe.