
Jacqueline Kennedy's wardrobe was chock full of enviable outfits, but perhaps none is more firmly engrained in our collective memory than the pink Chanel suit she wore the day her husband, the nation's president, was killed. She wore it all day, refusing to take off the blood-splattered suit at the hospital in Dallas or on the flight back to Washington where Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as president. "Let them see what they've done," she said.
It has since become a symbol of the tragic day. As New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn put it, "If there is a single item that captures both the shame and the violence that erupted that day, and the glamour and artifice that preceded it, it is Jackie Kennedy's bloodstained pink suit, a tantalizing window on fame and fashion, her allure and her steely resolve, the things we know about her and the things we never quite will."
Furthering the intrigue, is the fact that since the First Lady took off the famed suit, upon returning to the White House in the early morning hours, it has been seen by almost no one. Subject to Kennedy family restrictions that it not be seen for almost a century, the suit—an exact copy of a Chanel suit (made in America to avoid political criticism)—is stored in a climate-controlled area of the National Archives building in College Park, Maryland, where it will remain hidden from view until 2103. Only young children stand a chance of being alive to see it unveiled, which means for most of us, one of the most iconic pieces of clothing ever constructed will only ever exist in photographs.
With a bouquet of roses in her hand, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) and, behind her, U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963), greet the public at Love Field airport during a campaign tour in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The President was assassinated later that day. (Photo by Art Rickerby/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)
President John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963) and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy ride with secret agents in an open car motorcade shortly before the president was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, November 22, 1963. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
In the aftermath of JFK's assasination, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (1908 - 1973) takes the oath of office to become the 36th President of the United States on Air Force One. Kennedy's widow, Jacqueline stands beside him, wearing her bloodstained pink suit. (Photo by Universal History Archive/Getty Images)
Kayla Webley Adler is the Deputy Editor of ELLE magazine. She edits cover stories, profiles, and narrative features on politics, culture, crime, and social trends. Previously, she worked as the Features Director at Marie Claire magazine and as a Staff Writer at TIME magazine.
-
Former Vanity Fair Editor Says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will “Live to Regret” Not Keeping in Touch with the Royal Family
“That will come back to haunt them at a certain point.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Friends Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber Were Both at the Monaco Grand Prix—But Never Seen With Each Other
It has fans wondering if everything’s okay between the two.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate’s Tiara Moment at the Royal Wedding of the Year Marked a Historic Milestone for Her
She also wore some new-to-her earrings with special significance.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Yara Shahidi Joins Forces With Cartier Women's Initiative to Empower Entrepreneurs
"Giving back is essential to existing in the world."
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Chloe's Top-Handle Penelope Bag
This eye-catching bag also does good for the planet.
By Sara Holzman
-
Mindy Kaling's Custom Jonathan Simkhai Gown Is a Nod to Chanel Couture
"I feel so confident in this gown."
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Isabel Marant's Oskan Moon Bag
"The key word is versatility."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Poppy Harlow
The CNN host's key to a great wardrobe? Borrowing from her stylish friends.
By Sara Holzman
-
The Making of Ariana DeBose's Custom Versace Gown
"When I first saw it, I was left speechless."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Silvia and Sofia Tcherassi
"Waking up early in the morning is a must."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Cynthia Rivas
For one of fashion's favorite skincare gurus, great skin is the ultimate accessory.
By Sara Holzman