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Carolyn Bessette's $40K Dress Redefined Bridal Style
25 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's 1996 wedding dress was a minimalist silk gown.
- The iconic Narciso Rodriguez design valued at $40,000 ushered in bridal minimalism.
- The dress inspired Meghan Markle's 2018 bridal gown, echoing simple elegance.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's wedding dress, worn when she married John F. Kennedy, Jr. in 1996, remains a defining look in bridal fashion. Designed by Narciso Rodriguez, the bias-cut silk gown was a stark contrast to the voluminous and sparkling styles popular at the time, marking a significant shift towards bridal minimalism.
The understated elegance of the dress reflected the private, intimate nature of the couple's ceremony. Rodriguez crafted a deceptively simple yet alluring slip dress, valued at approximately $40,000, which quickly became a benchmark for sophisticated simplicity and inspired countless brides.
This iconic gown's influence extends to modern bridal choices, most notably inspiring Meghan Markle's 2018 wedding dress. Bessette-Kennedy's timeless look continues to be a touchstone for brides seeking classic, clean lines and understated glamour.
