Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Fashion Archive Will Be Auctioned At Sotheby’s

The queen of quiet luxury (way before it was even coined quiet luxury), Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, will have her iconic wardrobe auctioned off at Sotheby’s this December as part of their second annual “Fashion Icons” auction in New York. An irreplaceable figure and icon, Bessette-Kennedy captured the world with her timeless elegance and minimalist style. To this day, she remains one of the most recognized and revered fashion icons of the 20th century. She started out sitting at the epicenter of American fashion as a publicist for Calvin Klein in the 90s before marrying John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996, quickly gaining notable recognition. 25 years after her tragic passing, she remains one of the world’s most remembered style icons. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby’s

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby’s

The auction will feature three historically significant pieces from her personal collection, each gifted to her close friend and JFK Jr.’s executive assistant, RoseMarie Terenzio, who has decided to consign the treasured pieces. Each one tells the story of the girl’s friendship and Bessette-Kennedy’s unwavering sense of style. One key piece is her iconic vintage faux leopard double-breasted coat, which Bessette gave to Terenzio when she urged her to wear it on a first date. This statement coat is estimated between $20,000 and $30,000.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby’s

Next in the legendary lineup of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is a Prada single-breasted black double-faced wool coat from their AW 1996-97 collection, estimated at $15,000 to $20,000. Carolyn has been photographed wearing this alongside her signature narrow oval sunglasses, a Prada Spazzolato bag, and a vanity case while exiting her then-Tribeca apartment en route to Bill Clinton’s inauguration. Lastly, her chic Yohji Yamamoto black wool double-breasted jacket is from 1997. Besette-Kennedy wore this particular piece while attending the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal event in 1997. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby’s

Online bidding for the renowned pieces of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is set to open from November 27th to December 17th and will be displayed in New York starting December 5th.