Where Is Jackie Kennedy’s Pink Chanel Suit?

On November 22, 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wore a pink Chanel suit while traveling with her husband, President John F. Kennedy, in Dallas, Texas. Tragically, later that day JFK was assassinated while sitting beside her in the car. The iconic suit has since become a symbol of that fateful day and is now shrouded in mystery – where is Jackie Kennedy’s pink Chanel suit?

The infamous suit was a two-piece ensemble of wool bouclé fabric with pink and navy threads woven throughout. It featured a fitted jacket with a collarless neckline, four patch pockets, and gold-tone buttons bearing the Chanel logo. The matching skirt was straight-cut and fell just above the knee.

After JFK’s assassination, Jackie refused to change out of the blood-stained suit before Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the new president aboard Air Force One. She famously said: “Let them see what they have done.” The suit became an instant symbol of mourning and grief for the nation.

So where is the iconic suit now? Unfortunately, it is still shrouded in mystery. Following JFK’s assassination, Jackie gave the suit to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) with strict instructions that it be kept out of public view until 2103 – 100 years after her husband’s birth.

Despite these instructions, rumors circulated over the years that NARA had loaned out pieces of the suit for display or allowed unauthorized photographs of it to be taken. In 2003, NARA authorized DNA tests on a swatch of fabric from one of Jackie’s suits thought to be from this particular ensemble; however, the test revealed that it was not part of this particular outfit.

In recent years there have been renewed calls for NARA to release the iconic ensemble early due to its historical significance – but so far nothing has changed. The future remains uncertain for Jackie Kennedy’s pink Chanel suit, and it seems it will remain a mystery for the time being.

In conclusion, Jackie Kennedy’s pink Chanel suit is an iconic symbol of American history and a poignant reminder of the tragedy that occurred on November 22, 1963. While its whereabouts remain unknown to the public, its impact on American culture and fashion will continue to be felt for generations to come.