25 Jan 2009

Style Icon of the Week: Jacqueline Kennedy

Who?: Ever since President Obama's election in November, America's new first lady Michelle Obama has been hailed as the 'new Jackie O', bringing style as well as substance to the White House, but despite her husband's iconic status, many say that no first lady can match up to Jacqueline Kennedy. Living under three different surnames, including Bouvier and Onassis, Jacqueline was best known as Jackie Kennedy, wife of John Kennedy and First Lady from 1961 - 1963. At 31, Jackie was one of America's youngest first ladies, and her young, fresh image brought her fame throughout the world, making her more than just 'the president's wife', but a cultural icon in her own right. After John Kennedy's assassination in 1963, Jackie re-married shipping tycoon, Aristotle Onassis in 1968, enhancing her status as a European, as well as American celebrity. Jackie died in 1994, and following her death was named one of the top twenty most widely admired people of the 20th Century.

Why?: John Kennedy was elected into office in 1961, a time of change in the world of fashion. While some still hung onto the prim and proper 'poodle skirts and sweaters' of the 50's, the rest of the fashion world was on the cusp of the 60's style revolution, and Jackie reflected this in her style. On the campaign trail and in the White House, Jackie shook up the traditional 'frumpy first lady' image, teaming pearl necklaces and gloves with stylish, crisp suits, known for their iconic large lapels, sleeveless dresses in bright colours, pill box hats and delicate clutches that matched her heels. As her husband's position as president became stronger, so did Jackie's style, and in the tragic final year of her husband's presidency, and the years following, Jackie embraced the new casual styles of 60's and 70's high society. Trading in skirts for wide leg jeans and slouchy trousers, pearls for hoop earrings and set hair for free flowing locks, Jackie created her own look, epitomised by her over sized sunglasses and patterned Hermes scarves; and looked stunning every time.
What can we learn from her style?: 'Jackie Kennedy' and 'fashion faux pas' are two phrases that have never been seen in the same sentence. Always immaculately groomed and elegantly turned out, no matter what the occasion or situation, Jackie is a true example of timeless style. Jackie knew how to dress for any situation, whether it was an inauguration ball or stroll down town, always staying within the the bounds of respectable convention but making every look her own. When creating a look, it is crucial that we can adapt it to every situation, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zone, but at the same time, feel free to bend the rules and go against convention. Jackie taught us that you can still be an individual, even if you occasionally have to compromise our style, and that just because you have a dress code to stick to doesn't mean you can't express yourself within it.

Also: After supporting him all through his presidential campaign from the other side of the Atlantic, I am in love with President Obama. He's facing some of the biggest challenges known to any President, and I'm sure it won't be an easy road ahead, but I'm certain that given time, he'll still be able to make the changes that America, and the rest of the world needs. I clapped with happiness, (I'm such a politics neek), when he closed Guantanamo Bay, and I now hope that he turns his attention to the Middle East, to help the poor people of Gaza and defend their rights, while peacefully challenging terrorists, whether they be individual groups or governments with the force of an army.

19 comments:

Annabel Wendt (LoveMore) said...

oh she is very beautiful i agree! good read.
thanks for your comment! glad i am not the only one nursing a hangover!!
:)
xxx LM

Girl Next Blog said...

She is so beautiful.

And the 2nd pic is just pure style - the epitome of chic.

xx

Anonymous said...

This is pretty impressive!

love you

tom x

Kati said...

JK is such a style icon!

What is Reality Anyway? said...

love your blog title!

Anonymous said...

she is a total catch.

yiqin; said...

She seems really fab :)

Jelena Bu said...

Jackie taught us that you can still be an individual, even if you occasionally have to compromise our style, and that just because you have a dress code to stick to doesn't mean you can't express yourself within it.


thats a beutiful idea, i like her a lot!

Angela said...

There will not be anther Jackie O. I think Michelle Obama needs to be herself and not be compared to another person.

this wheel's on fire said...

Love Jackie!! I think Michelle's style isn't too similar to Jackie's, people just said that because there hasn't really been too many First Lady's with style before. Michelle has her own unique, lovely style.

And you're right....our new President has a lot on his shoulders. Probably more than any other pres. before him....I hope people give him some time. All of these problems are so large that they need more than a few months!

xoxoxo

Rita said...

Hey! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Jackie O is, indeed, really fabulous. And all the things you write about her are spot on.

Only one thing, though, is that first picture truly her or a wax figure? It just looks so stiff! Hehe.

cherie said...

it really amazes me the learnings that I got on the people you featured on your blog.

Anonymous said...

dear!! your profile sizzling!! love your dream style......

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

I don't think Mrs. Obama compares to Jackie O, but the truth is, she hasn't had time to prove herself yet. Jackie O was classic and never took a false step.

cherie said...

Hi! Please check my blog for the Fabulous blog award I pass on you!

Anonymous said...

oh she is very beautiful :)

Ella Gregory said...

She looks beautiful in these pictures. Such classic looks.

Alecca Rox said...

Jackie O, one of the very few women i would give the title to and think it still would not be enough! Good choice!

Nicole said...

i love jackie kennedy. I have always been fascinated by her and her independent, confident spirit. she is so beautiful!