Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Iconic Wardrobe on Sale at Sotheby’s

Fashion vintage lovers, brace yourselves. Sotheby’s Fashion Icons sale on December 17 is turning heads with three showstopping pieces from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic wardrobe. These aren’t just clothes; they’re relics of minimalist perfection. A faux leopard fur coat, a classic Prada staple, and a Yohji Yamamoto jacket are up for grabs—though let’s be honest, “grabs” might not be the word when the bids are hitting five figures faster than you can say “quiet luxury.”

The Prada coat alone has already surpassed $55,000—double its initial estimate—with weeks to go before the auction ends. Yes, CBK’s style is literally priceless, and it seems everyone with a bank account to flaunt wants a piece of her understated glamour.

Why Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Style Is Unstoppable

Bessette-Kennedy didn’t just wear clothes; she gave them an identity. Her knack for blending minimalism with effortless allure made her an enduring style icon. From her years at Calvin Klein—where she mastered the art of “less is more”—to her Tribeca walks with John F. Kennedy Jr., she defined what we now call “quiet luxury.”

She wasn’t one to scream “Look at me,” but somehow, we couldn’t look away. Her Calvin Klein slip dresses, impeccably tailored coats, and blonde waves (crafted to perfection by her go-to hair colourist, Brad Johns) set a standard that even today’s fashionistas can’t quite match. Imagine being the reason TikTok creators are dissecting your every outfit two decades later. Iconic, much?

And those Manolo Blahniks she strutted around in? Long before Carrie Bradshaw made them famous, CBK was rocking them with the kind of cool nonchalance that only a true trendsetter could pull off.

Sotheby’s Search for Fashion Gold

Tracking down these CBK treasures wasn’t easy. Sotheby’s fashion experts spent over a decade dreaming of this auction. They finally struck gold with RoseMarie Terenzio, JFK Jr.’s former assistant, who had held onto the items for sentimental reasons. She decided it was time to share them with the world—a decision probably as bittersweet as giving up your favourite pair of vintage Levis.

Here’s the thing about iconic fashion: it survives not because people think it’ll be worth a fortune, but because it holds memories. Over time, those memories become artefacts that people like Sotheby’s specialists swoop in to rescue—and sell for the price of a small apartment.

The Tree Pieces from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Wardrobe Being Auctioned at Sotheby’s Fashion Icons on December 17

CBK’s Legendary Gift-Giving Skills

Let’s not forget CBK’s flair for gift-giving, which rivalled her fashion sense. According to those who knew her, she had a habit of spoiling people—especially her husband’s assistant—with extravagant presents. Think Barneys garment bags, Miu Miu goodies, and beauty products galore. Imagine walking into the office and finding your desk buried under luxury gifts. That’s not just a Christmas bonus; that’s a lifestyle upgrade.

Her generosity wasn’t just about giving; it was about sharing her world. Those buttery blonde highlights she made famous? She even treated her close circle to the same hair-colour wizardry. It’s no wonder she was often described as a “fashion fairy godmother.”

Fashion’s New Currency: CBK’s Legacy in the Market

This isn’t Sotheby’s first auction featuring iconic fashion, but CBK’s sale feels different. It’s a celebration of her influence on minimalist elegance and her enduring power as a style icon. The success of Princess Diana’s black sheep jumper, which fetched $1.1 million last year, proved that fashion is more than fabric—it’s cultural history. Now, Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe is poised to make its own mark on the fashion auction world.

Why CBK’s Style Still Matters Today

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic wardrobe is proof that true style doesn’t fade; it evolves. Her legacy wasn’t just about looking good; it was about redefining what modern elegance could be. Decades later, her influence is alive and well—from TikTok trends to high-stakes auctions.

So, while most of us can only dream of owning one of these coveted pieces, we can all take a page from CBK’s style book: invest in timeless pieces, embrace simplicity, and always, always walk with confidence. Oh, and if you can do it while holding the hand of a Kennedy, even better.

Images @WikimediaCommons, @Sotheby’s and @GettyImages