We all know how the fashion of the first lady can help enhance the image of the president. November 1963, President Kennedy asked Jackie what she planned to wear for their trip to Dallas. The President and Jackie both favored the pink ensemble already worn on six different occasions. But did you know, Jackie Kennedy’s pink suit, is an approved copy?
Nowadays, fast fashion retailers often sued for quickly manufacturing designer knock-offs made in China. But when Jackie learned of Coco Chanel’s 1961 fall/winter collection showing the iconic two-piece pink set, she had to have it. Her father-in-law Joseph Kennedy discouraged Jackie from buying clothing from Parisian fashion houses as to appear more patriotic.
Enter Chez Ninon, a New York City dress salon that imported European label designs, materials, and sewed in the United States. The Chez Ninon knock-off cost between $800 and $1,000 compared to over $10,000 for the custom-made Chanel suit. The suit, a pink bouclé double-breasted wool suit trimmed with a navy blue collar.
According to Lisa Waller Roger’s Fashion History website, Jackie’s pink suit, a hit at the Fort Worth breakfast that morning. The president beamed at the attention she drew, noting that “nobody notices what Lyndon and I wear.” A short plane ride later to Dallas, upon disembarking the plane, Jackie presented with red roses. The rest, as they say, is history.
Whatever happened to that pink suit?
The suit was never cleaned and never will be. It sits today, unfolded and shielded from light, in an acid-free container in a windowless room somewhere inside the National Archives in Maryland. When the 100-year deed to the suit expires in 2103, the Kennedy family descendants will renegotiate the matter.
Every August 19, the birthday of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel I feel obligated to write something about her. This year a different spin exploring Jackie Kennedy’s iconic pink suit. What say you? What are your memories of the pink suit? Do share in the comments section.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.
