Massimo Dutti’s Love Story-inspired collection delivers on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s timeless style …
We knew 90s minimalism would be a talking point given the popularity of Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette, but nobody quite expected the onslaught of CBK style fandom that has arisen from the TV show. It makes sense: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy had a stunning wardrobe. Each piece was considered enough to be timeless, even back then – and the way in which she pulled everything together was flawless. According to Lyst, the show’s cultural sweet spot is seeing a surge in demand for minimalist fashion brands. Since Love Story aired, searches for Calvin Klein are up 17 per cent, while demand for Yohji Yamamoto has risen by 40 per cent.
Answering the call on the high street is Massimo Dutti, which has launched A Forever Story, a 90s minimalism-themed edit that, according to the brand, “whispers timeless confidence”. Apart from the thinly-veiled nod to the TV show in the title, the edit is a savvy response to the current hunger for minimalism. (Interestingly, Calvin Klein has played no part in the CBK resurgence, in spite of being the zenith of this look in the 1990s.) Aptly timed, the shoot is as aesthetic as the TV show. As for the products, on the table are trench coats, white shirting, tank tops, cropped flare and straight-leg jeans, elegant black dresses and tan nappa leather skirts: all pieces that nod to Carolyn’s look. Accessories lean into clean lines, too. There are black thong sandals, wedge heels and east-west bags, as well as roomier totes – and, of course, round sunglasses.
All in all, it’s hard to deny the pieces have appeal. A pair of straight-leg cream jeans are so effortless they scream ‘add-to-cart’. However, a word to the wise: although the look hinges on quiet luxury, beware the fabrications. A blue striped shirt is made from viscose and polyamide – synthetic fabrics likely wouldn’t have jived with Ms Bessette’s enduring wardrobe.
Black satin halter top with tie details, €70; blue mid-rise cropped-flare jeans, €70; tan suede leather high-neck parka jacket, €600; black nappa leather satchel bag, €190; all at Massimo Dutti.
Black linen V-neck sweater, €80; white mid-rise cropped jeans, €70; both at Massimo Dutti.
Black linen midi dress, €100; black nappa leather satchel bag, €190; black strappy heels, €100; black round sunglasses, €80; all at Massimo Dutti.
White cotton poplin shirt, €70; tan nappa leather midi skirt, €320; black nappa leather iPad case, €130; black leather wedge mules, €130; all at Massimo Dutti.
Black nappa leather jacket with belt detailing, €450; white cotton T-shirt; blue mid-rise cropped flare jeans, €70; all at Massimo Dutti.
Shop Massimo Dutti’s A Forever Story 90s Edit:
Black double-breasted trench coat, €190, at Massimo Dutti.
Cream straight-leg jeans with turn-ups, €80, at Massimo Dutti.
Camel nappa leather midi skirt, €320, at Massimo Dutti.
Blue loose-fitting striped shirt, €80, at Massimo Dutti.
Black mid-heel leather sandals, €100, at Massimo Dutti.
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READ MORE: 5 Affordable (And Accurate) Ways To Nail Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Style
