Bella hadid abandons equestrian style for carolyn bessette kennedy chic
The model known for her recent embrace of Western wear has pivoted, seemingly overnight, to a minimalist aesthetic steeped in the cool, understated elegance of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Forget the jodhpurs; Hadid is channeling a ’90s sensibility that’s quickly gaining traction.
A shift in silhouette: from horseback to headband
Just weeks after solidifying her equestrian-inspired phase—complete with cowboy hats and tailored riding jackets—Hadid was spotted in an Instagram post within the Orebella boardroom sporting a markedly different look. The image reveals a crisp white shirt, a classic trench coat, and, crucially, a slim black headband. It's a detail that immediately evokes the iconic style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, JFK Jr.'s wife, whose effortless chic continues to influence fashion decades later.
The sudden shift is notable, especially given Hadid’s recent foray into the Western aesthetic. But the resurgence of the CBK influence is far from a solo occurrence. The pared-down, sophisticated look—characterized by simple silhouettes, neutral tones, and minimal accessories—has been percolating through the fashion landscape for some time. I witnessed firsthand the trend’s spread this morning, observing two men sporting suits and Kangol hats outside my office. It’s trickling down.
Hadid’s participation isn’t entirely surprising, particularly given her recent immersion in the 1990s via her cameo as a Balenciaga model in Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty. The FX series has undeniably amplified the nostalgic pull of the era, and Hadid's aesthetic choices seem to reflect a full embrace of the aesthetic—and perhaps a strategic alignment with the show’s endorsement.
The appeal, of course, lies in the inherent timelessness of Bessette Kennedy’s style. It's a look that prioritizes quality over flash, and quiet confidence over overt display. While Hadid’s previous phases often leaned into statement pieces, this new direction suggests a desire for something more enduring—and perhaps a conscious rejection of the relentless cycle of trend-driven fashion.
The move also underscores a broader pattern: celebrities continually reinventing their personal brands. Hadid’s ability to effortlessly transition between distinct aesthetics—from the downtown cool of her early modeling days to the Western influences and now the CBK revival—demonstrates a keen understanding of how to maintain relevance in a perpetually shifting cultural landscape.
The figure of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, tragically cut short, continues to exert a powerful, almost spectral influence on contemporary style. And Bella Hadid, it seems, is the latest figure to be captivated by its enduring allure.