Jackie Kennedy’s Wedding Dress Is Going Up For Auction

Fancy owning a piece of fashion history? A collection of outfits and accessories worn by the Kennedy family is going to auction – and the highlight is a Valentino wedding dress worn by former First Lady Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Kennedy herself.

Bonhams Is Auctioning Off Jackie Kennedy’s Wedding Dress

If there’s one thing Jacqueline Kennedy will be remembered for, it has to be her sophisticated sense of style. The former First Lady was undeniably one of the most fashionable women in American history, and was often spotted wearing Chanel suits, Gucci bags and Prada coats during her time both in and out of The White House.

That same flair for fashion translated into Jackie’s bridal attire. And while her first wedding gown – the Ann Lowe design she donned for her nuptials to future president, John F. Kennedy – sits firmly out of the public eye, her second is the star of an upcoming Bonhams auction.

The Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Kennedy Valentino Wedding Dress (c) Bonhams 1793 | Photographer: Matthew Roharik

Making its first ever auction appearance, the wedding dress was worn by Jackie Kennedy on the day of her nuptials to Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis in 1968. The dress, which was originally designed by Valentino for his Spring/Summer 1968 haute couture collection, is in fact a two-piece outfit comprised of a lace bodice layered over a pleated dress. With its short skirt, turtleneck and long bishop sleeves, the dress also marked a massive departure from her traditional Ann Lowe gown, encompassing the look of the Swinging Sixties bride.

With the sale set to start on 16 September, the team at Bonhams have estimated the dress will go for anywhere upwards of $8,000.

Other Highlights

Alongside Jackie Kennedy’s second wedding dress, the sale will also feature various clothing items that once belonged to John F. Kennedy Jr. These include a tuxedo and suit, which Kennedy Jr purchased from Calvin Klein while his future wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy worked there as a publicist. A black overcoat by Giorgio Armani, also worn regularly by Kennedy Jr, will also be going up for auction. Each item is expected to fetch anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000.

(L to R) The Calvin Klein Suit & Black Tie, Armani Overcoat and Calvin Klein Tuxedo that belonged to John F. Kennedy Jr

Other highlights include an Hermes shoulder bag dating to the 1960s, as well as Chanel jacket and evening case. All three items are believed to have belonged to the former First Lady.

‘It is a rare privilege to be able to present Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress worn on her marriage to Aristotle Onassis and John F. Kennedy Jr’s outfits; a tuxedo, suit and overcoat in the same sale,’ said Marissa Speer, Bonhams Head of Sale for Handbags & Fashion, US. ‘The Kennedys are without question, one of the most prominent families in modern American history.

‘Jacqueline Kennedy’s 1968 couture ensemble is not only an important piece of fashion history marking the emergence of one of the most stylish women in the world – Jackie O – but it also showcases an important design in maison Valentino’s history,’ she continued. ‘The outfits come with an exceptional provenance: JFK Jr’s from close friend Sasha Chermayeff, and Jackie O’s wedding dress: owned by a couple who worked on the famous yacht “Christina”. Jackie Onassis and the couple became friends resulting in the dress being gifted to them following her passing in 1994. It has remained in their possession ever since.’

When Is The Sale?

The Bonhams Classic Luxury: Style Icons sale will take place online between 16 and 26 September 2024. You can see all the lots available at bonhams.com

Featured image: Toni Frissell, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons