I totally get it; being chic isn’t easy. In fact, it’s practically a full-time job (that I try to clock in for as often as I can). But after seeing the first look at American Love Story, telling the fabled romance between Carolyn Bessette and JFK Jr. in scripted form, I’m kinda curious who was hired to make sure stars Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Kelly fit the chic bill (because this person would’ve really put a bee in Miranda Priestly’s bonnet). I’m not a 90s American political royalty fashion expert just because I created this couple’s style guide inspired by the iconic couple, but my initial reaction to these early images (“Oh, that’s not…”) seems to be the general consensus across the internet. Let’s dissect those American Love Story first-look images and their criticism because Ryan Murphy, my good sir, we are tired.
American Love Story First Look Images: Criticism, Reaction
Who is starring in American Love Story?
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Sarah Pidgeon (Tiny Beautiful Things, The Wilds, Gotham) and Paul Kelly (an industry fresh face) are playing Carolyn and JFK Jr., as seen in the first look photos. But the styling of the famously fashionable New Yorkers for the forthcoming scripted series is not giving the vibe that Ryan Murphy raided Anna Wintour’s archival closet. (Still, neither face card is declining, TBF.) Fashion experts (and me) are quick to notice that the garments honestly look like fast fashion business casual from the local mall. Ryan, hit me up because I know about a million weekly thrift markets where y’all can find vintage Gucci, Calvin, and Miu Miu instead of blazers and trenches that could fall way to Shein allegations (respectfully).
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Shade of Blonde
Carolyn had that trademark buttery blonde (now referred to as old money blonde if you ask TikTok) that was all warm honey, with thick platinum streaks and touches of brown around the roots. The show’s stylists seem to have made Sarah’s gorgeous head of hair a bit too brash of an icy blonde, with oddly orange eyebrows to match, instead of the thin, dark brown, oh-so-popular up to the early 2000s.
Jack Scholssberg Weighs In On American Love Story
As with many of Ryan Murphy’s many, many, historically inspired projects ripped from the headlines, the living family of one of the subjects is not too happy. Jack Schlossberg (grandson of JFK and nephew of John F. Kennedy Jr.) commented on the first look post writing, “admiration for John is great but maybe consider DONATING PROFITS TO THE KENNEDY LIBRARY thanks.” Ryan Murphy took the time to comment back that he would… a win is a win, right?