Getting American royalty right is quite the challenge.
On Saturday, Ryan Murphy gave fans a sneak peek at his new series, “American Love Story,” which explores the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessett Kennedy.
Their tragic ending, marked by a plane crash in 1999, has turned their love story almost mythical. Yet, during the ’90s, they were admired not just for their romance, but also for their stunning fashion choices.
In the first look, Sarah Pigeon, portraying Bessett Kennedy, donned a tanned leather overcoat paired with an all-black ensemble. However, many fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the styling, calling it “cheap.”
Some viewers pointed out that her hair color was a bit off, not quite matching the iconic thick blonde locks associated with Bessett Kennedy.
The recently released images featuring actors Paul Kelly and Sarah Pigeon—who wore a black mock sweater and cropped trousers—sparked sharp critiques from fashion aficionados. While some may find the luxe accessories acceptable, dedicated fans of Bessett Kennedy noticed inconsistencies, such as a failure to capture the character’s signature turtle shell band and a wallet that lacked the expected detail.
People lamented the costuming choices, suggesting it leaned too heavily on creating a simplified version of her well-documented minimalist style.
Fans referenced some of Bessett Kennedy’s standout looks, like her Crossover Yoji Yamamoto shirt paired with a simple white pencil skirt from the 1999 Whitney Museum gala.
While they were alive, Bessett and JFK Jr. were constantly pursued by the media, and after their deaths, that attention only intensified.
Known among fans as CBK, Bessett Kennedy’s wardrobe is frequently hailed as one of the most influential in fashion history.
One comment pointed out the challenge of accurately styling characters from the ’90s for contemporary audiences, saying, “Return to the drawings I ask for.”
Another fan quipped about a potential wardrobe change, asking if it was too late to hire an expert who could nail Bessett Kennedy’s actual style, remarking, “She wasn’t wearing any cheap clothes!”
Another fan humorously suggested bringing in a hair consultant specifically to ensure accuracy.
In contrast, the portrayal of JFK Jr. received much praise, as many felt his look aligned closely with his real-life aesthetic.
This FX series is set to premiere on Hulu on Valentine’s Day 2026. Bessett Kennedy notably popularized designer Narciso Rodriguez with her wedding dress in 1996, and her wardrobe remains influential, showcasing fashion collaborations with brands like Prada and Calvin Klein.
Fashion insiders have been vocal about their reactions. One stylist lamented, “This is all no,” while others stressed that Bessett Kennedy’s style deserves a worthy budget for an accurate portrayal.
Fans will have the chance to judge for themselves when “American Love Story” debuts, with filming starting soon in New York.
