Sixty years have passed since the momentous and controversial assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas on November 22, 1963, at the hands of Harvey Lee Oswald.
The event has left an indelible mark on history, inspiring numerous books, films, and conspiracy theories that continue to captivate the public's imagination. Dealey Plaza, the site of the shooting, remains a significant tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who seek to connect with this pivotal moment in American history.
Amidst the multitude of details surrounding Kennedy's assassination, there's a lesser-known yet captivating story revolving around the iconic pink suit worn by the first lady, Jackie Kennedy, on that fateful day.
In a post-assassination interview, Jackie revealed her motivation for choosing the legendary pink garment: "There's going to be all those rich Republican women at that luncheon... wearing mink coats and diamond bracelets. And you have to look as gorgeous as any of them. Be simple, show those Texans what good taste really is."
Crafted from bouclé, a tweed fabric, the double-breasted suit with navy accents was often mistaken for a creation by Chanel. However, it was a meticulously replicated design by Chez Ninon, a New York boutique adhering to the requirement that first ladies exclusively wear American-made clothing. Jackie, known for her appreciation of French couture, received copies of other French designs from Chez Ninon.
The suit, accompanied by a matching pink hat, navy blouse, shoes, purse, and white gloves, became infamous when President Kennedy was fatally shot in his official convertible, splattering Jackie's ensemble with his blood. Refusing to clean or change out of the blood-stained suit during the swearing-in of Lyndon B. Johnson and the subsequent journey back to Washington, Jackie declared, "Let them see what they have done."
Preserved by the National Archives in a climate-controlled chamber near Washington, the suit remains one of the most recognizable pieces of American history. Jackie Kennedy's daughter, Caroline Kennedy, the current US ambassador to Australia, donated the suit in 2003 with strict instructions that it not be publicly displayed, researched, or used in any way that might dishonor the memory of her mother or President Kennedy. The suit, holding the stains as a poignant reminder of that tragic day, is set to remain hidden from the public until at least 2103, as per the Kennedy family's wishes.
Despite the chaos after the assassination, the suit and its accessories, including stockings, have been preserved unchanged. This unique condition, according to the head of Special Access at the National Archives, makes them the only objects of their kind.
Costume designer Madeline Fontaine recreated the outfit for the film 'Jackie' (2016), where Natalie Portman portrayed the lead role. Reflecting on the symbolism of the clothing, Portman stated, "It's crazy that clothes become a symbol and that you see something so recognizable and iconic. The dress itself tells a whole story."
