Onassis, Jacqueline


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Jacqueline Onassis: Personality


Born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in East Hampton, New York, Jacqueline Onassis (1929-94) became First Lady in 1961 through her marriage to the President of the USA, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Her stylistic mixture of ladylike formality with a youthful spirit was widely copied. Characteristically timeless and elegant, trademarks of the 'Jackie' style included simple coats, white gloves, round or bateau necklines, court shoes and slim-line, A-shaped skirts that grazed the knee. Designed by Oleg Cassini from 1961, her clothes were typically unpatterned and unexaggerated. Although she rarely wore jewellery, her gilt-chain handbag, bouffant hairstyle by Kenneth and pillbox hats by Halston were popularised and widely imitated.