NYC's JFK Jr. lookalike contest crowns its studly winner

Hundreds of women fawn over the 31-year-old Flatiron resident who channeled the late icon's preppy, laid-back style

Mar. 9, 2026 at 4:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sea of JFK Jr. lookalikes took over Washington Square Park on Sunday for the first-ever John F. Kennedy Jr. lookalike contest, with Stamford, Connecticut-native Julian DeVincentis, 31, crowned the winner. Cosplaying a sporty JFK Jr. in a black tank top, matching shorts, dark sunglasses and a backwards hat, the 6-foot-2 Flatiron resident confidently rollerbladed around the massive crowd, flexed his muscles and flashed his pearly whites, reminding NYC women that dating a modern-day John-John isn't as crazy a pipe dream as they might've thought.

Why it matters

The contest and its massive turnout of thirsty women highlight the renewed cultural and style icon status of JFK Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, thanks to the recent popularity of the FX series 'Love Story' which chronicles their intense relationship. The event showcases a fashion renaissance among young men inspired to emulate JFK Jr.'s iconic preppy, laid-back look.

The details

Seven official contestants, along with hundreds of excited bystanders, competed in the JFK Jr. lookalike contest. The winner, Julian DeVincentis, confidently rollerbladed around the crowd, flexed his muscles, and flashed his smile, winning over the swooning women in attendance. Other participants said their girlfriends, fans of the 'Love Story' show, bought them JFK Jr.-inspired outfits just so they could enter the contest.

  • The contest took place on Sunday, March 9, 2026 in Washington Square Park.

The players

Julian DeVincentis

A 31-year-old Flatiron resident who was crowned the winner of the JFK Jr. lookalike contest. He channeled a sporty, preppy JFK Jr. look and impressed the crowd with his rollerblading skills and charming personality.

John F. Kennedy Jr.

The late son of President John F. Kennedy, who was known for his distinctive preppy, laid-back style that has inspired a fashion renaissance among young men today.

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

The wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., whose minimalist and chic style has also seen a resurgence in popularity, especially among young women, thanks to the FX series 'Love Story'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's truly an honor to be compared to someone like JFK Jr. I've only gotten it once and it was three years ago on the West Side Highway. I was rollerblading and an older gentleman told me I resembled him. He [JFK Jr.] was a legend in his own right.”

— Julian DeVincentis, Contest winner

“I've always followed the Kennedy family's story. And when I started getting into fashion more, JFK Jr. has always been my style [inspiration].”

— Jack Silane, Contestant

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This contest highlights the enduring appeal of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy as cultural and style icons, inspiring a new generation of young men and women to embrace their preppy, laid-back aesthetic. It showcases a fashion renaissance fueled by the popularity of the 'Love Story' series and a desire among millennials and Gen Z to emulate the couple's distinctive look.