Many books and articles have made much of the theory that JFK Jr. married a woman who reminded him of his mother. But how alike were Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and do you think this theory is accurate?
The NY Times crafted its own piece on it: http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/29/nyregion/enter-smiling-the-stylish-carolyn-bessette.html
Would love to hear your perspectives on this.
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3 comments:
I don't think they were alike. Even though they were both children of divorice who achieved some independence after college. Mrs. Kennedy had worked as a photographer w/a "soft news" column and Carolyn B Kennedy had worked in sales for Calvin Klein. After getting past these specs; the women were very different.
Mrs. Kennedy was an intellectual and high academic achiever. She had won a competitive scholorship to the Sorbonne through a contest held by Vogue Magazine. Mrs. Kennedy was also multi-linguel. While somebody stated the 2 women were "athletic"; outside of being slender and of a wt. fit for fashion modeling; Jackie was known as a supurb equestrian. I never heard of Carolyn competing in any sport. Mrs. Kennedy was a woman who loved books and promoted the arts; I only heard of Carolyn attending nightclubs and partying with fashionable people, especially 7th Ave types. After she married John, she did accompany him to the White House and other gala events; but not of the nature of Jackie's.
In terms of clothes, they were somewhat alike, as they both embraced simplicity. I think we can fairly state they both loved clothes.
Outside of her private designer, Igor Cassini who was a friend of her father-in-law & designed specifically for her W.H. wardrobe, I don't recall Jackie "hanging-out" with dress designers. As for the nightlife, Jackie may have gone to Elaines & Studio 54 a few times, but one could not say that she was a "party girl" hanging out at the discos of her era. She was glamerous, and hardly a drone, but she did not party as hardy as Caroline was reported. A sighting of Jackie at a nightclub was an exception. That is partly why she got so much publicity when she did go out.
Mrs. Kennedy loved interior design at an early age. Her home in Georgetown, with then Sen. Kennedy was always undergoing some sort of renovation. We know she took an intense interest in the W.H. renovation. Carolyn, on the other hand, according to her husband's friends, did not appear too interested in revamping the Tribeca condo she & John shared. Once, Carolyn purchased a new dining room table, John encouraged his friends to compliment Carolyn, and hopefully give her more confidence in home decor. Her purchase and interest in the table was a departure from her indifference. At the time of their tragic deaths, the condo was pretty much as John originally designed it.
Mrs. Kennedy was very well read, indeed she became an editor for a large publisher. Carolyn did not seem to have the academic proclivity for a high degree of literacy. She may have been bright; but nobody ever described her as a nerd or egg-head. I doubt she would have ever been a supporter of the New York Public Library.
Sadly, most of my information is from books. I have heard very little from first-person oral histories of Jackie or Carolyn. I hope some of you will correct any impression I had that may have been wrong. I am strictly going on hunches spawned by reading the works of others. It's a shame Carolyn's life was cut so short. Many young people mature at later age. I like to think that JFK, Jr. would have run for public office with Carolyn at his side. What a beautiful pair they were!
You make excellent points, Susan; many of which I hadn't considered before. I agree that both women had that "simple elegance" style factor and I've read that JFK Jr really liked that "au courant" factor Carolyn had going for her.
Another observation I've read is that John was also attracted to really strong-willed women--like his mother, his wife and his sister. A few authors and friends have stated he kind of lost his bearings after his mother died and was drawn to Carolyn because her temperment was like Jackie's--tough and determined. Although Jackie was able to hide hers behind a veneer of grace. I've always loved the story about a holiday party she gave where Andy Warhol (who was invited) brought a friend, a journalist (who wasn't). Jackie wasn't too happy with this but treated the journalist so well he had no clue she was upset at his being there. In fact, when he asked for a Perrier, she said "We're all out but please share mine; now it's ours." Then, the very next morning she called Warhol and told him in no uncertain terms she hadn't appreciated the unwelcome guest and never to bring him by again!
OK, some other similarities (minor) between the two women:
- Large feet (JBK was a size 11 and I think CBK was about the same.
- Both were closet chain smokers.
- Books published about both women after their deaths speculated on drug use--Carolyn and cocaine; Jackie and methamphetamine doled out by the President's "secret" physician, Dr. Max Jacobson.
- Both loved life in NYC--except, of course, for the paparazzi.
- Both fought hard to live a normal "life" and resented the press and public's desire to take that away from them.
- Both were described as having a "mystical femininity" and were women "who related well to men." They were also known as great listeners with the ability to focus fully on others.
Well, that's it for now. If you have anything to add or correct, please add your thoughts.
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