A few things come to mind when we think about Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy. One is her enormous popularity and beloved image as the First Lady of the United States. And the other is probably her pink Chanel suit, topped with a matching pillbox hat and garnished with a pair of white gloves. In the eyes of many, Jackie and her pink suit were almost inseparable. One could not be without the other. In fact, Jackie donned the suit on six occasions. However, the seventh time proved to be her last.
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while the First Lady was by his side in the presidential limousine along Dealey Plaza in Texas. As soon as the president was struck, Mrs. Kennedy flung herself over her husband’s body, staining her iconic pink suit with a ghastly red.
Since that day, Jackie Kennedy’s suit has not been seen in the public, nor has it been washed. After the incident, the First Lady refused to clean her suit, stating that by leaving the bloodstains untouched, she wanted to “let them see what they’ve done.” The pink suit that was originally associated with pop culture, glamour and contemporary fashion hence became a symbol for loss and violence.
Jackie Kennedy’s pink Chanel has been carefully preserved in its original condition in the National Archives since 1964. After Mrs. Kennedy’s death, the suit transferred to her daughter’s legal possessions. In 2003, a provision under the deed put the suit out of public view for a 100 years in order to avoid any possible undignified use of the artifacts that could cause any grief or dishonor the memory of the president.
Jackie Kennedy’s suit is undoubtedly historically significant as it is a chillingly accurate depiction of what happened on the day of JFK’s death. By preserving it, we make note and remember a tragic event in history. Honoring the past is what helps us maintain our cultural identity. Furthermore, the suit is also of symbolic importance as it shows how easily innocence can be tainted by murder. It’s a little unnerving to think how one object that was originally made to be viewed in one way could be twisted so easily so as to portray something else that is completely different – something much darker. On the surface, it is an old bloody pink suit, but it goes to show how delicate everything in the world really is, and how everything has a duplicitous nature. Even though Jackie’s pink suit is out of sight, because of its metaphoric imagery, it is forever etched in the hearts of many Americans.
Link to article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/15/fashion/jacqueline-kennedys-smart-pink-suit-preserved-in-memory-and-kept-out-of-view.html?src=recg&gwh=D23C41C7580E6070647D40FF675D817C
Jackie Kennedy made quite a statement by saying “let them see what they have done” in her decision not to wash her pink suit. I think this act is very brave of her and like most art, it pushes boundaries and makes people think. She did not have to take such a stand however, the suit, which used to stand for beauty, pop culture, bravery, and individuality, has now taken a very different turn. They way we look at and perceive things is based on the context of the situation. What was something so beautiful, is now haunting, and I think that is exactly what Jackie Kennedy wanted.
It is surprising that something that is kept out of public display since 1964 can evoke so much curiosity and such interest. America has seen numerous First Ladies, but it would not be an overstatement to say that Jacqueline Kennedy has managed to steal the limelight from the others. She was a popular youth icon and a political figure during the 1960s, the era of turmoil and anguish, at least in political realms. Mrs. Kennedy garnered equal, if not more, attention after her. Her famous pink suit has become a signature outfit that defines her image and personality.
I did not know that her outfit is being preserved until I read your article. One thing that struck me was the provision in the deed that has hidden Mrs. Kennedy’s momentous suit away from public sight. Is there a need for such a provision? If historians can probe into JFK’s life, his presidency, and the affair that led to his death, then why is Jacqueline Kennedy’s suit (or historical artifact) hidden away? I tried to find the reason for this legal clause, but I couldn’t understand the intention. I don’t believe such an artifact will sensationalize the assassination or incur any form of dishonor to the Kennedy family. The suit is a historical artifact and a primary source of the death of history’s most popular and loved presidents. It allows people of this generation to understand the significance of JFK’s death. In my opinion, it will be a liaison for 50 years of American history.
It would definitely be interesting for historians to observe and examine Mrs. Kennedy’s suit. Authors who are interested in writing about JFK’s life can use this artifact to bring into light the emotional impact of the assassination. Your article has revived my interest in the 1960s and forced me to delve further into the matter. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Wow, this is somewhat ironic. When I went into work today (the 22nd) at Starr, Ann was telling me about the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination. I agree with Jacky in that art needs to challenge people. As a society, we don’t ask enough questions about why a piece of art has been created. The oil painting that Banksy drew on in Housing Works near Baruch took the notion of challenging people. However, Jackie Kennedy’s intent of using the pink suit has really achieved its purpose: to etch this moment in our minds.
I still remember when my 8th grade social studies teacher first showed us the “graphic” video of JFK’s assassination; the assassination itself was shocking, but what Jackie Kennedy did afterwards shocked me even more. She went on top of the trunk to grab a big chunk of JFK’s brain that has been blown off his head. I would give Jackie Kennedy much respect for deciding to keep her blood-stained pink suit to remind people of the tragedy that may be forgotten years later. If I were her, I wouldn’t necessarily want to preserve or publicize my personal belongings. What Jackie Kennedy did truly inspires me to question what purpose art serves- whether it is grotesque or unpleasing to the eye.
The provision under the deed to keep the suit out of public view for 100 years conflicts with Jackie Kennedy’s wish, “let them see what they’ve done.” Why would the deed go against Kennedy’s wish? Because if you don’t allow the public to see it then the same applies to the same who have murdered John F. Kennedy. But I suppose since the provision was applied in 2003, the people she wanted to see the suit are long gone.
Jackie Kennedy’s pink suit once represented the first lady of the United States. With the assassination of John F. Kennedy, it became stained with blood. Since she refused to wash it, it continues to stand for one of the darkest times in United States history. Her suit is a symbol and I believe it is important for the public to see it.
When I think of Jackie Kennedy, the picture you posted is exactly what comes to mind. However, I personally associate the pink suit with her fashion rather than President Kennedy’s assassination. I agree with Jackie’s decision to leave the suit with the bloodstains. If she washed it off, it would wash off a big piece of memory and history.
Instead, the pink suit became a piece of art – it evokes strong emotions to its viewers and it is carefully preserved. The suit’s transformation really holds a lot of significance and I am glad this topic has been brought up 50 years after JFK’s assassination. As you stated, the suit symbolizes how innocence can be tainted by murder. Today, both the fashion and tragedy associated with Jackie’s pink suit is still evident with Jackie’s legacy as a fashionable first lady and with all the conspiracy theories behind Kennedy’s murder that are still discussed today.
This article is extremely fascinating. I was not aware, rather I haven’t really paid attention to this subject. It is very unnerving, like you said, how something that was so glamorous and dignified to be tainted in an instant. Jackie’s words and suit are very strong, literally and symbolically; they stir up a lot of emotions. I feel so moved that I will definitely be looking deeper into this topic.