Clothing and accessories belonging to the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy will be auctioned on September 16 in Los Angeles by Julien's Auctions to benefit a border charity.
The personal items form part of the upcoming Bold Luxury: Step and Repeat Edit sale. The event was curated by celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart, who is widely known for dressing actors including Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Viola Davis.
Bessette-Kennedy, the wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., was widely regarded as a fashion icon and an enduring symbol of 1990s minimal style. Before her marriage, she worked in fashion public relations in New York, helping shape modern wardrobe aesthetics during that decade.
Charity support and vintage wardrobe pieces
Organizers announced that proceeds from the sale will support This Is About Humanity. The charitable organization aims to raise awareness and provide resources for children who have experienced family separation at international borders.
Specific items offered in the sale include a velvet Calvin Klein coat worn by the style icon, alongside Bottega Veneta sandals and platform shoes by Stephane Kélian. Calvin Klein is an iconic American fashion house known for minimalist tailoring, while Bottega Veneta and Stephane Kélian are luxury European footwear labels.
Fashion experts emphasized that the minimalist look popularized by Bessette-Kennedy during the 1990s will always remain in fashion. They noted that while the style has inspired endless imitators over the years, nothing compares to the original garments presented at the auction.
Los Angeles auction details
Julien's Auctions, an auction house based in California, specializes in high-profile entertainment, celebrity memorabilia and historic fashion sales. The firm frequently hosts major auctions in Los Angeles, drawing international collectors, fashion historians and public bidders.
The auction will take place on September 16 in Los Angeles. Bidders will have the opportunity to acquire the rare original wardrobe pieces while contributing directly to humanitarian efforts for border families.
