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Why Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is the perfect muse for fashion’s 1990s revival

The late fashion publicist is the subject of a new fashion book and the icon of inspiration for this season’s pared-back ‘90s fashion revival

Where logo-driven design, low-slung trousers, corsets and chainmail were the kingpin of the ‘90s, Bessette-Kennedy was the understated inverse

“She was the essence of class. She has touched most minimalist brands that oscillate with discretion, discernment, and luxury.” So goes arguably the most marked line in a new book – the first of its kind – published about one of fashion’s most enduring icons of the 1990s: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.

The fashion publicist for Calvin Klein sparked a clear directive when it came to dressing for the decade. Where logo-driven design, low-slung trousers, corsets and ...