Her class and dignity was what made Jackie a style icon. She wore the best fashions that all the women on 5th avenue wore, and introduced them to the middle class women of America.
Before Jacqueline Bouvier married into American "royalty" the Kennedy family. She was born into New York society, where she was raised to become a social climber and was named "Debutante of the Year" for the 1947–48 season. She attended the best boarding schools in America, was fluent in many languages including French, Spanish, and Italian, was an accomplished equestrienne, and had a strong love for the arts as whole. This would later prove to be vital in her role as first lady.
This upbringing of culture and good taste, gave the young Jackie a classic sense of style, with a European influence
However it was when Jackie married Jack Kennedy and ultimately became America's first lady, that her chic sense of style influenced a generation of women. Her love of culture as a whole was what made her an icon, not only did she have women dressing better but more importantly the arts where introduced into the white House.
"Jackie knew what was perfect for her, and she left the rest behind," says Michael Kors. "It's a clear case of the woman, not the clothes. Jackie could make a poor-boy sweater and a pair of suede pants look like the most radically chic thing. She knew to wear a bare leg with couture, and she was the kind of woman who always has her eyes open and can cull from the best."
This was an image of the first lady know one had ever seen before, fresh and never dowdy.
The "pill box" was her first fashion influence on American culture
Apricot silk ziberline coat and dress designed by Oleg Cassini.
She appointed Olge when in the White House as her chief designer, as she was pressured to be loyal to American dress makers. She hand picked him for his aristocratic flare and European taste. He often designed her clothes imitating the Europeans.
After the assassination of her husband president John F. Kennedy, Jackie would marry Greek Tycoon Aristotle Onassis, and would forever be dubbed "Jackie O"
No longer living the public service lifestyle, Jackie could wear the more European fashions she craved as First Lady.
She continued this style persona even after her second husbands death, in order to protect her from the public eye. She became incredibly private and only her close friends and family got to see the real Jackie Kennedy, and her mystery would make her legendary.
