Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Iconic Yohji Yamamoto Dress to be Auctioned at Bonhams

For the first time, a piece from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's wardrobe will be available for public sale. A Yohji Yamamoto black silk dress worn by the late wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. is set to be auctioned at Bonhams on June 27. The dress, which is expected to fetch more than its $3,000 estimate, marks a significant moment for fashion collectors and fans of the style icon.

The dress, from Yamamoto's Spring/Summer 1998 collection, is a black silk trench silhouette featuring a layered collar and lapel, and a black silk adjustable waist tie. Its asymmetrical skirt descends to the ankles in the front and stops at the top of the calf in the back. Bessette-Kennedy wore this dress to a dinner at the Supper Club in 1998, followed by a performance from the Parsons Dance Company.

Marissa Speer, who is heading the sale at Bonhams, commented on Bessette-Kennedy's enduring influence on fashion: *"Nobody embodies quiet luxury more than [Bessette-Kennedy] did. There's a purposeful reason for the way that she dressed herself... These beautiful pieces that we see aren't the pieces that are a trend at the moment, but they're pieces that you can't tell when they were made unless you know what to look for in a label. They're forever perfect [pieces]."*

The dress is being sold by Sasha Chermayeff, a childhood friend of John F. Kennedy Jr.'s, who received it from Bessette-Kennedy's sister, Lisa Bessette, after the couple's tragic passing. This auction presents a rare opportunity for fans and collectors to own a piece of fashion history from an iconic style influencer.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, known for her minimalist and timeless fashion sense, has left a lasting impression on the fashion world. Her choice of clothing, often characterized by understated elegance, continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

The auction of this Yohji Yamamoto dress is not just a sale; it is a celebration of Bessette-Kennedy's legacy and her impeccable taste. As collectors prepare for the event, the anticipation builds, reflecting the enduring allure of her style.

The auction at Bonhams on June 27 will undoubtedly draw attention from fashion aficionados and historians, eager to witness and possibly acquire a piece of history. This event underscores the lasting impact of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy on the world of fashion.

Key Takeaways

• Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Yohji Yamamoto dress to be auctioned at Bonhams on June 27.
• The black silk dress is expected to fetch over $3,000, its estimated value.
• Bessette-Kennedy wore the dress to a 1998 dinner at the Supper Club.
• The dress is being sold by a childhood friend of John F. Kennedy Jr.'s.
• The auction celebrates Bessette-Kennedy's legacy and timeless fashion sense.