27 March 2026 |
Ryan Murphy’s record-breaking TV show has fans obsessed with 90s fashion
Since its premiere in February, Ryan Murphy’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette has stirred up a frenzy for its perfectly nostalgic narrative about two iconic American figures. It’s not just the undeniable chemistry between Sarah Pidgeon, who plays Bessette, and Paul Anthony Kelly, who plays JFK Jr., or the impeccable soundtrack, but also the fashion. Hitting at a time when interest in 90s fashion is at an all-time high, Murphy’s show brings a new layer to the current style obsession. Besides introducing new audiences to the era’s most famous couple, it also stirs up memories for those who lived through that time. You only look at the sheer amount of women who want to “dress like Carolyn”, men who have adopted JFK Jr.’s signature backwards cap, or even the look-alike contests as proof.
Yet, that rabid fervor almost didn’t happen. Over the summer, initial images of Pidgeon and Kelly in character surfaced, sparking heated debate on social media. Between the silk skirts and black Converse sneakers, which were very much not à la CBK, the backlash led to a new costume designer. In came Rudy Mance, who has blessed us with all the looks that fans love today. Referencing the discreet ’90s minimalism outfits that Bessette was known for, Mance touches upon all of the highlights, like her time at Calvin Klein or her famous Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress. The same attention to detail was applied to JFK Jr. as well, with his collection of caps, tailored suits, and oversized shirts. Through Mance’s dedication to historical accuracy, the fashion of Love Story has emerged as the most talked-about plot point, even for those who haven’t watched the show.
With the last (and most heartbreaking) episode airing yesterday, take a look back at some of the best fashion moments from the show.
Perhaps the biggest undertaking was casting the right leading man, and Murphy found that in Kelly. The unknown Canadian actor has become the internet’s newest boyfriend courtesy of his ability to embody one of the most famous men of the 90s. In episode one, when we first meet him, you’d think it was JFK Jr. reincarnated. Mance does that successfully, courtesy of this outfit. Featuring a slim-fitting suit that shows off Kelly’s muscles, coupled with wire-rimmed sunglasses and a backwards cap, viewers instantly understood why JFK Jr. was the most sought-after bachelor in New York City.
Pidgeon and Kelly nailed the dynamic between Bessette and JFK Jr. almost a little too well. During filming over the summer, a Citizen notification was reported of a couple fighting in a park, getting physical with one another. Behind-the-scenes videos popped up all over social media, with the two looking uncannily like the characters they were playing. That was thanks to Mance, who nailed the outfits. From Pidgeon’s white cable-knit sweater worn over a black turtleneck to Kelly’s red-striped shorts and beige sunglasses, to little details like the messy bun and fanny pack, the image was nearly identical to the original paparazzi photos.
Episode six is arguably one of the most pivotal moments in the series: the secret, private wedding of Bessette and JFK Jr. Narcisco Rodriguez’s design for the bride was the wedding dress of the decade, making Mance’s task difficult. Through deep investigation, the wardrobe team found the same fabric store that the designer had used, combing through records in order to purchase the precise silk crepe, down to the color. Expect to see an uptick among 2027 brides as women try to replicate this infamous dress thanks to Love Story.
In episode seven, Pidgeon is now Mrs. Bessette-Kennedy, and at this point in the series, the show is also packed with what we now consider infamous CBK looks. Here, Pidgeon wears a beige Prada coat while being hounded by paparazzi, while in real life, Bessette wore the same piece in 1998 while being photographed on the street. This past month, an identical coat was included in Lucy Bishop’s private auction. It sold for $192,000, breaking the record for any item of clothing Bessette once owned, and was acquired by a museum.
Also in episode seven was this iconic moment between the couple as they made their first official outing as a married couple. Upon exiting their Tribeca loft, the two are swarmed by photographers. Mance perfectly recreates their outfits from Bessette’s Prada camel wool pencil skirt (that is also up for auction) to her low ponytail and black top. Even the black bag that she clutches mirrors the one that Bessette wore. Kelly is an exact twin of JFK Jr. courtesy of the precisely tailored navy suit worn with a white button-down and matching white pocket square.
No matter how heartbreaking the final episode was, Mance gives us one last iconic look. The pair recreated the infamous paparazzi shot where Bessette wears jeans, Selima Optique sunglasses, and, of course, her tortoise headband. Meanwhile, Kelly is seen in a 90s hodgepodge of sorts, with a gray button-down, a zipped-up vest, sunglasses, and a headband of his own.
