New York Returns to ’90s Style:
The Impact of the TV show “Love Story”
(90년대 스타일로 돌아간 뉴욕, 드라마 '러브 스토리'가 미친 파장)
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The buzzworthy drama “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” has recently taken over New York, influencing current trends across the city. Set in the 1990s, the series’ massive popularity has brought back a renewed focus on “elegant classic” style—reviving 90s fashion in a modern way.
The TV show is based on the real-life relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, portraying their story from the beginning of their romance to their marriage, and ultimately their tragic ending.
It has also had a major impact on fashion. Carolyn Bessette (portrayed by Sarah Pidgeon) showcases iconic 1990s minimalist looks—long coats, denim, oval sunglasses, and headbands—which have all resurged in popularity. In particular, the 1.5-inch tortoiseshell headband she frequently wore has sold out for weeks. Overall, Carolyn Bessette’s effortless “undone yet polished” aesthetic is being reinterpreted as a defining trend today.
TV Show: “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette”
This miniseries follows the real-life relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, tracing their journey from romance to marriage and their tragic passing. As the son of John F. Kennedy, and with Carolyn serving as a PR director at Calvin Klein, the couple was one of the most talked-about pairs in the United States during the 1990s.
The show’s popularity stems not only from their real-life prominence but also from the broader cultural fascination with the Kennedy family, often perceived in the U.S. as a kind of “royal family.” At the same time, in the U.K., Diana, Princess of Wales had already become a global icon through her life, marriage, and fashion. Within this cultural context, the Kennedy family came to represent a similarly symbolic presence in American society.
Impact on Fashion
The Kennedy family has long attracted attention not only for its political legacy but also for its image and style. Rather than following fleeting trends, their aesthetic is defined by restrained elegance and timeless, classic fashion.
Carolyn Bessette, with her background as a PR director at Calvin Klein, embodied a refined minimalist style. Her look is defined by clean silhouettes, understated color palettes, and an overall sense of quiet sophistication. In combination with the Kennedy family image, she came to represent a fully realized version of the “old money” aesthetic in America. Her overall mood and styling also naturally echo elements seen in Princess Diana’s fashion.
Meanwhile, John F. Kennedy Jr. moved away from the rigid, traditional image of political suiting. Instead, he embraced a more relaxed business-casual approach, effortlessly blending tailored pieces with casual elements. This balance between practicality and style strongly aligns with current fashion trends today.
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