fashion

If you are old enough to remember the 60's, you will remember Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. She represented to the world the ultimate in class, style and true elegance. Her grace, smile and ability to communicate with people from the less fortunate to royalty and nobility, became her legacy to the world. She did not follow in the footsteps of her husband, President John F. Kennedy, she walked equally along side of him; she opened the door and awakened the world to the independence, intelligence and individuality of woman everywhere.

Known for her "pill box hats" and haute couture fashion, she made a statement that turned heads and influenced people wherever she travelled. She was the 60's version of Princess Diana. The book includes interviews with designers, friends and family and is an inside look at the woman who captivated hearts in every corner of the world. The book takes the reader from her youth to the White House to her marriage to Onassis. During her days as the First Lady, Jackie Bouvier Kennedy rocked the world and blazed a trail that will long be remembered by women who grew up in her era.

It may be difficult for young women today to relate to a trendy woman who reached the peak of her "moment in the sun" almost forty years ago, but for those who do remember her, they will remember her class, unique style and elegance. Even in her final years of ill health, she still managed to radiate that quiet inner beauty which was her trade mark for the best part of her life.

Pamela Clarke Keogh has written a terrific book, a breezy and "tongue in chic" look at the life of one of the most fascinating people in 20th century American history. .

In telling this story through the framework of Jackie's style (certainly one of her most famous attributes), this book can touch upon all aspects of the life of Jacqueline Bouvier and explore how her style evolved, where it came from and how it impacted all of our lives. It's written in a breezy and totally approachable style, filled with fun stories, canny perceptions and some first rate reporting, there are these golden nuggets of information that have never been told before (and that's a rare feat, considering the huge amount of books, magazine stories and television reports that Jackie's life has generated).

And then there are these wonderful photographs... As the author of two Jackie-related books myself, I was delightedly surprised to see some of the pictures in the book...they are unusual, rare, evocative and charming.

This book is a delight!

I was attracted to this book by its feel and the promise of learning more about that certain "something" Jackie radiates. After mentally debating the price, my lust for more Jackie style information won out and I purchased it. It is a substantial book in many ways but weak in others. The beginning of the book is awkward as the author describes what Jackie was thinking after her husband won the Presidency. How could the author know? The authors assumptions immediately made me question the rest of the books authenticity. As I read through the book however, the author changed tactics and began to describe the first lady using research that was factually supported. She discusses Jackie's upbringing, her role as young woman, and beyond. Though most of the information has been written about before, several aspects were elaborated on to add a new twist and make them more interesting. For example, I had read many times about Jackie winning Vogue magazines Prix de Paris competition, but never in the detail Keough gives. There are a number of photographs in the book but unfortunatly the way they are presented lacks impact. Many are black and white, others small for the page, few are new, and in general they don't have the luster that they could. For example, p.182 has a full size, black and white photograph of Jackie with flowers fully covering her face. If this is one of the never seen photographs Keough promises well I can see why. Another page is devoted to a full color photo of Ari Onasis. Since the full color photos of Jackie are few why not make it one of her? Pamela Keoughs previous book Audrey Style had a much better selection of pictures that made an impression! There are also some line sketches of Jackie in a pillbox. The sketch looks more like Anjelica Houston. The information in the book is broad. The author has obviously done alot of research and she relays the information with her fresh perspective. But many readers will wish for more information about Jackie's STYLE not her life history. For those just beginning to read about Jackie this will be a good introduction but to those familiar with her and the books about her this will be a rehash and retelling.