A Suit Fit for a First Lady
Jaqueline Kennedy's famous raspberry pink suit inspires bespoke orders to this day.
By Estella Shardlow on Thursday 27th October, 2011
Recreating the cerise two-piece boucle suit that Jackie Kennedy wore on the day her husband was assassinated was the latest challenge put to Savile Row ladies’ tailor, Nooshin Bakhshi.
The raspberry-coloured Chez Ninon ensemble was worn by the First Lady on numerous occasions, including an official trip to inspect plans for Lafayette Square in 1962 and most famously for that fateful drive through Dallas on 22 November 1963. It was reportedly one of JFK's favourites outfits for his wife, which she often teamed with white gloves, pink pillbox hat and her signature oval sunglasses.
Commissioned by the client's husband as a gift, the couple requested the exact design, colour and trim that Jacqueline originally wore in the early 60s. “They brought me original images of Jackie wearing the 60s boucle wool suit, with later images also of Kate Holmes wearing the recreation [in the recent television series, The Kennedys],” says Nooshin.
As her client in this case was curvier than the waspish Jackie O, Nooshin adjusted the silhouette to ensure it flattered a fuller figure. “I have altered the design slightly creating a curve at the hem of the jacket, which is more flattering and adding additional seams so I could really shape the jacket,” she explains.
The boucle was sourced from MacCulloch & Wallis and the navy trim from Holland and Sherry.
Far from being a one-off, iconic outfits worn by 20th century public figures are increasingly inspiring her customer’s bespoke tailoring orders. “I have found my clients enjoy various fashion features from vintage icons most notably from the 40's, 50's and 60's,” she says.
