Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Rise to Fashion Stardom Chronicled in New 'Love Story' Series

The pilot episode of FX's 'Love Story' series explores Carolyn Bessette's life as a rising star at Calvin Klein in 1990s New York City.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The first episode of the new FX series 'Love Story' introduces viewers to Carolyn Bessette, a 26-year-old fashion coordinator at Calvin Klein in 1992 New York City. The episode follows Bessette's professional life, including her interactions with demanding clients like Annette Bening, as well as her personal life as a liberated, chain-smoking single woman navigating the city's nightlife. Meanwhile, the episode also provides a glimpse into the life of John F. Kennedy Jr., Bessette's future husband, as he struggles with his post-graduate plans and relationship with actress Daryl Hannah. The episode sets the stage for the eventual meeting and courtship between Bessette and Kennedy that would captivate the public.

Why it matters

The pilot episode of 'Love Story' offers an intimate look at Carolyn Bessette's life before she became Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, providing insight into the woman behind the tabloid headlines. By exploring her professional ambition, personal independence, and the social dynamics of 1990s New York, the show aims to humanize Bessette and challenge preconceptions about her relationship with the Kennedy family.

The details

In the episode, Bessette is shown excelling at her job at Calvin Klein, where she helps style high-profile clients like Annette Bening. However, she also navigates office politics and her boss's demands. Outside of work, Bessette is depicted as a liberated, chain-smoking 20-something who enjoys the city's nightlife, including frequenting clubs like the Roxy. Meanwhile, the episode also introduces John F. Kennedy Jr. as he struggles with his post-graduate plans and relationship with actress Daryl Hannah, setting the stage for his eventual meeting and courtship with Bessette.

  • The episode is set in 1992, several years before Bessette and Kennedy's marriage and tragic deaths in 1999.
  • Bessette is shown working at Calvin Klein and attending a gala co-hosted by the brand.

The players

Carolyn Bessette

A 26-year-old fashion coordinator at Calvin Klein in 1990s New York City, known for her professional ambition, personal independence, and chain-smoking lifestyle.

John F. Kennedy Jr.

The son of former President John F. Kennedy, who is shown struggling with his post-graduate plans and relationship with actress Daryl Hannah in the episode.

Calvin Klein

The renowned fashion designer whose company Bessette works for, and who introduces her to Kennedy at a gala event.

Annette Bening

A high-profile client of Calvin Klein who Bessette helps style for a film premiere.

Narciso Rodriguez

A fashion designer who makes a brief appearance in the episode, foreshadowing his future collaboration with Bessette.

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What they’re saying

“This is exactly why I don't want a boyfriend, okay? I'm accountable for people all day, every day at work, and when I leave I just want want to do whatever the fuck I want, whenever the fuck I want to.”

— Carolyn Bessette (Love Story)

“A woman who doesn't feel beholden to you because you've chosen her, who loves you in spite of your last name, not because of it.”

— Jackie Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr.'s Mother (Love Story)

What’s next

The series is expected to continue chronicling the relationship between Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr., leading up to their high-profile marriage and tragic deaths in 1999.

The takeaway

The pilot episode of 'Love Story' offers a nuanced portrayal of Carolyn Bessette as a complex, ambitious, and independent woman navigating the fashion world and social scene of 1990s New York City, challenging the one-dimensional depictions that have often surrounded her in the public eye.