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Love Story’ Concludes as FX Drama Revives the Kennedy-Era 1990s Minimalist Look

Its focus on Carolyn Bessette’s pared-back wardrobe is driving a broad revival of 1990s minimalism.

Overview

  • The FX series produced by Ryan Murphy closes its run after nine episodes dramatizing the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
  • Viewership and buzz have spilled into real life, with reports of more than 25 million streaming hours by midseason and fresh demand for items linked to the couple.
  • Brands and retailers are capitalizing on the trend, from Calvin Klein’s curated 90s edit to New York’s C. O. Bigelow selling out of the tortoiseshell headbands Bessette favored.
  • After early backlash over inaccurate styling, the production hired stylist Rudy Mance, who sourced vintage Calvin Klein, Prada and Manolo Blahnik from archives and recreated pieces when originals were unavailable.
  • Coverage tied to the finale has resurfaced memories of the 1999 crash off Martha’s Vineyard, with journalists recalling a multi-day search, slow official updates and the need to set humane boundaries around grieving families.