Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: The Enduring Style Icon of the 90s

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the late American publicist and wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., has left an indelible mark on fashion and beauty. From her minimalist wardrobe to her effortless wedding hairstyle, she has been a style icon since the 1990s, and her influence continues to be felt today.

Timeless Elegance and Effortless Chic

The Signature Blonde

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's signature bright blonde hair has retained a timeless quality that has made her a constant source of inspiration for hair mood boards. The versatility and polish of her golden hue have kept it relevant and admired, even three decades after she first burst onto the fashion scene. According to Cetera Lamb, Senior Colourist at John Frieda Salons, Bessette-Kennedy's warm, golden blonde can be worn year-round, looking polished and expensive.To achieve this coveted color, Lamb suggests asking for a golden shade with warmth and brightness around the face, similar to Scandinavian hairstyles. The key is to create soft, thick money pieces and an extremely glossy finish. The exact process will depend on factors like hair health, condition, and natural base color, with darker browns requiring multiple salon visits to build up the desired shade. For natural blondes, the lightening process may be quicker and less stressful on the hair. Lamb recommends using bonding treatments to allow for extra lift and cleaner results.

Maintenance and Styling

Maintaining Bessette-Kennedy's chic hair color requires regular salon visits to touch up the roots and glossing treatments to keep the shine at its peak. Sam Burnett, owner of Hare & Bone salon, suggests using a toner to significantly extend the longevity of the color. He also recommends using home care products specifically designed for lightened hair, such as Davines Heart of Glass, to even out porosity and condition, allowing the color to last longer.When it comes to styling, Bessette-Kennedy was known for her sleek, straight looks, embodying the "clean girl" aesthetic of the era. Burnett advises leaving heated tools at home and investing in a high-quality blow-dry brush to achieve the same uniform, shiny finish as the style icon.

The Enduring Appeal

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's impact on fashion and beauty has only grown stronger over time. The recent release of Sunita Kumar Nair's coffee table book, "Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion," has further solidified her status as a true beauty icon. Her timeless elegance and effortless chic continue to inspire fashion and beauty enthusiasts worldwide, making her a lasting influence on the industry.As the world continues to celebrate Bessette-Kennedy's enduring style, her legacy serves as a reminder that true fashion and beauty transcend trends and stand the test of time. Her signature look, from her minimalist wardrobe to her iconic blonde hair, remains a testament to the power of understated elegance and the enduring appeal of a woman who embodied the essence of timeless style.