Jackie Style: An Illustrated Biography of the American Icon with Original Interviews, Rare Photographs, and Personal Letters

by Pamela Clarke Keogh, Valentino (Garavani) (Introduction)

From the author of the bestselling Audrey Style Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was known by many names, but to us, she is Jackie. And whether she liked it or not, she was, and still is, the most famous woman in the world. "No one else looked like her, spoke like her, wrote like her, or was so original in the way she did things," said her brother-in-law Senator Edward Kennedy. Her style -- what made her Jackie -- has been emulated, imitated, even occasionally reviled, but never fully examined. For the first time, this biography details the singular life that made Jackie an icon and contributed so greatly to her enduring appeal. Drawing on original interviews with Valentino, Hubert de Givenchy, Manolo Blahnik, and Oleg Cassini, as well as close friends C. Z. Guest, George Plimpton, and John Loring, and family members such as Joan Kennedy, Hugh D. Auchincloss, and John Davis, this compelling volume brings to life the private Jackie her family and friends loved. With one hundred rare color and black-and-white photographs and sketches, and never-before-published personal letters, memos, and essays, Jackie Style re-creates not only Jackie's extraordinary history -- fashion being just one part of it -- but the world she came from, the White House she revived, the husband and children she adored, the causes she supported, and, finally, the life she chose to lead.

Genres: Biography, Fashion, Nonfiction, History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 24, 2001

About the author

Pamela Clarke Keogh is the author of "Audrey Style," the worldwide bestselling photographic biography of Audrey Hepburn. Educated at Vassar College, she worked as a journalist, television producer, and screenwriter.

Reviews

[L.M.]

I love reading anything about Jackie, who will always be unique among America's First Ladies. She was fluent in 5 languages, was gifted in writing and art, was athletic as well as artistic, and looked great in everything she did.

This book was fun to read and brought out a relevant point that many modern fashionistas would do well to imitate: she kept her style simple. She wore her clothes and was never overwhelmed by them. Except for her wedding dress...oh, that wedding dress! But Princess Diana suffered a similar fate with hers as well. Maybe there's a reason why we no longer wear crinolines? Just a thought.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Clarke Keogh styled the book to match the women. It's beautiful, simple, elegant, important. Dwells on nothing, but omits little. A must read.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read any "Jackie Bios." This was a nice one has it had a good mix of straight bio facts; fun tid-bits (make up tips based on the imagings of the Jackie "brand") and an emphasis on style. A good "summer" read (AKA "head turn off type book.") I knew nothing at all about her time at Vasser or her winning the writing contest. I did find the relationship between her and her father a little creepy. The guy seemed sex obsessed. NOT a healthy environment for his daughters!
I also thought it was interesting that the author seemed to excuse JKO's relationship with the Diamond Merchant, Maurice Templesman, (who was married) as a "mature" relationship as if to say that adultery after a certain age is okay because its about companionship not sex. It was probably a combination of both as relationships always are in middle age. I just wonder if Mrs Templesman would be okay with it's description as "mature." I also smiled when I read that Mr T's background was a diamond merchant! OF COURSE...

[Jill Kemerer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing and a glamorous biography of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. I loved the pictures (but wish there were even more) and was swept up in the interesting details of Jackie's life. The emphasis on style was slim--this was more of a biography than a style guide--I expected it to focus on her clothing, hair, and makeup, but it didn't detract from the book. My only complaint is that as with Pamela Keogh's other style guide (Audrey Style), she only presents her subjects in the best light. The mistakes, negative personality traits, and questionable life decisions are either ignored or glossed over. But if you're looking for a glossy view of a fascinating woman, this is a fab book.

[Anki]

Bookmooch

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, stylish read. I love that I learned thing about Jackie O. that I'd never read before.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skimmed this book but it was a fun book which focused on Jacqueline Kennedy's style and uniqueness.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Jackie fans this is a must.

[Junnaini.ismun Ismun · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice coffee table book. Lot's of photo to look at.