Production on Ryan Murphy’s forthcoming miniseries “American Love Story,” chronicling the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, continues filming in New York City. New photos from the set feature actress and frequent Murphy collaborator Naomi Watts and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
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Watts’ iteration of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who served as the first lady of the United States from January 1961 until November 1963 alongside her late husband, President John F. Kennedy, focuses on Kennedy’s style during the early ’90s.
The former first lady’s style evolved from her time in Washington, D.C. After years in the nation’s capital, Kennedy Onassis’ New York City style transitioned to a more relaxed variation on refined elegance and businesswear. Kennedy Onassis continued to wear designer pieces, notably by Hermès and François Pinton.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis crossing the street in a head scarf and sunglasses after a big day of shopping at Bonwit’s on Nov. 30, 1970, in New York.
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Among the Jackie Kennedy Onassis wardrobe pieces recreated for “American Love Story,” Murphy’s creative team looked to the former first lady’s trenchcoat, head scarf and bold sunglasses combination.
During her time in New York City, Kennedy Onassis often wore headscarves designed by Hermès. The addition of the trenchcoat became a signature element of her layering technique. Abandoning hyper-femininity for a tailored style that’s seen a resurgence in recent years.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis leaving Claridges Hotel in London. She is wearing a safari-style jacket over flared hipster trousers and a polo neck jersey.
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A prominent accessory for Kennedy Onassis’ style was the bold sunglasses she wore and popularized throughout the ’70s. Designers like Renauld and François Pinton crafted the iconic shades styled by the former first lady.
In set photos from “American Love Story,” Watts is seen styling both the incognito trenchcoat and headscarf style with the bold eyewear pieces. During her time at the White House, Kennedy Onassis often gravitated toward American designers, working with Oleg Cassini to create the “Jackie look.”
Naomi Watts is seen on the set of “American Love Story.”
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In the ’70s, however, Kennedy Onassis embraced European designers, as evidenced by her Hermes scarves and designer sunglasses from France. Kennedy sustained her influence on fashion at large in her post-White House years.
In the 1970s, Gucci renamed one of their bag styles the Jackie 1961, after the former first lady was photographed with her signature accessory so many times.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in New York City on Oct. 17, 1973.
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Streamlined and practical, Kennedy Onassis’ post-White House style ushered in a new chapter for the former first lady’s wardrobe. While still gravitating toward elegant and luxury styles, Kennedy Onassis’ New York City wardrobe expanded to European designers and embraced tailoring, layering and statement accessories.
“American Love Story” features Watts recreating these costumes and more. The series will air in February 2026.