Love Story: Between 90s Nostalgia and the Carolyn Bessette Effect
This publication is also available in:
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español 
English (US)
Released last February, the series Love Story, which highlights the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, has taken the world by storm. Despite some weaknesses, the blend of minimalist style, analog lifestyle, and a nostalgic playlist has made everyone addicted to the nineties aesthetic of the format, especially the outfits of the former Calvin Klein publicist, now seen as the fashion reference of the season!
Why does the 90s from the series Love Story fascinate so much in 2026?
Having zero knowledge about the JFK Jr. and CBK couple, and intrigued by the buzz the series created, I decided to watch it to study the phenomenon – ultimately understanding the hype it generated, even though it is not a masterpiece…
I must admit that (beyond the historical aspect for which I lack knowledge to form an opinion) the series presents numerous artistic choices, narrative intentions, and performances that left me rather perplexed.
Nevertheless, despite these points, the 90s mood (with its clothes, music, and the New York of that time…) ultimately manages to engulf us in the nostalgia of that era, not so distant yet so different from our own, wrapping us in a comforting feeling.
Is the analog lifestyle of the 90s envied?
Aside from the romance-people aspect, another facet of the series can explain its success: the much more analog daily life of the 90s compared to our current environment.
Indeed, at the time of this romance, calls were made from payphones, landlines were just starting to lose their cords, and we read the news sitting on a bench while enjoying the fresh air… A lifestyle that is more regretted and sought after than ever this year, explaining why the series presents itself as a breath of fresh air…
How does the series Love Story reign over all trends?
Unsurprisingly, the success (liked or not) of the series has generated a wave of trend videos on social media. Thus, after the dance from season 4 of Bridgerton remixed in all styles, we now observe a hype for cycling in backwards cap suits, as well as endless parodies and reaction videos set to “American Wedding” by Frank Ocean.
However, the romance of the Bessette-Kennedy couple (played by Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon) does not only influence the creation of this type of content. The costumes from the Love Story series have also become the lookbook for spring and the outfits of CBK and JFK Jr. are being studied from every angle in our feeds. And it must be said that the work of the costume designers deserves applause!
The story of a booming fashion
The fashion aspect of the series, which is one of the main reasons for its popularity, does not stop at the actors’ wardrobes.
Love Story also serves as a witness to a key period in the fashion industry. Calvin Klein was at the height of his fame, while Kate Moss was just launching her career, and Narciso Rodriguez was starting to spread his wings. A journey back in time to the heart of often confidential places, which fuels curiosity.
Carolyn Bessette, a fashion icon of the 90s and today
Whether back then or now, Carolyn Bessette has quickly been regarded as a fashion icon for her very coded 90s and minimalist style (passed down by Calvin Klein). A trademark that now fascinates a new audience, discovering her for many for the first time, and who has only one thing in mind: to adopt her iconic style.
However, some nuance must be added…
Between minimalism and statement pieces
Combining high fashion pieces with more affordable ones, Carolyn Bessette over the years crafted a wardrobe that stands out from magazine silhouettes.
Outfits with the spirit of contradiction of the 90s, composed of basics with impeccable cuts and paired in her unique way, often around a statement piece.
By adding a few sportswear or patterned pieces, her style was completed with simple yet effective accessories, such as timeless and practical bags, elongated fine sunglasses, and the iconic tortoiseshell acetate headband!
Simple style or contagious aura?
While everyone is trying to replicate the Bessette style, there is one thing to highlight: wearing the same pieces as CBK will not make you the fashion icon she once was. Why? Because her presence largely relied on her aura and self-confidence, which elevated the outfits she wore!
When brands ride the Bessette effect
The popularity of Carolyn Bessette’s looks and the growth of the keywords “Kennedy,” “Bessette,” and “CBK” have pushed brands to seize the 90s trend. Like Massimo Dutti with the A Forever Story collection – whose campaign is very coded Love Story.
Additionally, other brands like Bompard Paris are assembling pieces from their wardrobes to create looks inspired by CBK’s minimalist style.
Finally, Calvin Klein, showcased in its glory in the series, is bringing back its classics from the 90s, making the most of this new wave of visibility.
The make-up version CBK
Beyond her outfits, the no-makeup effect and healthy glow of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy are at the heart of all searches.
And while magazines and content reveal the references to her essentials – including the “Cranberry Veil lipstick” from FACE Stockholm – other brands are riding the trend to boost their sales.
We especially think of Rhode, which just unveiled its spring collection, whose campaign was shot with Sarah Pidgeon.
Whether you embrace the series or not, one thing is certain in terms of trend: minimalism, which was about to give way to maximalism, still has a bright future ahead.
Photos: Pinterest
