In the 1990s, Gwyneth Paltrow and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy were both prominent figures within New York City’s fashionable elite, but new revelations expose tension between the two. A recent excerpt from Amy Odell’s Gwyneth: The Biography reveals that Paltrow’s presence reportedly irritated Bessette-Kennedy during their encounters at Calvin Klein, shedding light on a previously unknown rift.
The Origins of Tension Between Two ‘90s Style Icons
Before her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. elevated her to American social royalty, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was deeply embedded in New York’s high society as a publicist for Calvin Klein. Gwyneth Paltrow, meanwhile, was establishing herself as an actress and a frequent guest at the fashion brand’s offices. Despite sharing similar style sensibilities and overlapping social spheres, their relationship was far from friendly. According to Amy Odell’s account, Paltrow’s demeanor annoyed Bessette-Kennedy during their limited interactions connected to Calvin Klein appointments.
Paltrow became a regular client for Calvin Klein styling, and one of the publicists assisting her was Carolyn Bessette, who later became Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
“Gwyneth said she had arranged for an appointment at Calvin Klein, where she had become a regular presence at the office. One of the publicists on the brand’s small team who helped Gwyneth was Carolyn Bessette (who would go on to become Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy),”
Odell wrote in the biography excerpt.
Sources familiar with the situation remarked,
“According to one person familiar with her thinking, Gwyneth irked her,”
with Bessette-Kennedy reportedly casting dismissive comments about Paltrow whenever images of her appeared in the media. She viewed Paltrow as a somewhat bothersome “little miss perfect,” which contributed to the subtle distance between them.
The Untimely End to a Story Left Unfolded
The public never witnessed whether the relationship between Paltrow and Bessette-Kennedy evolved over time, as Carolyn tragically died alongside RFK Jr. in a 1999 plane crash. Their sudden passing left many questions unanswered about their personal lives and connections within the glitterati of New York City.
Fans of the late society power couple will soon see their lives dramatized in Ryan Murphy’s forthcoming series, American Love Story. The show explores the relationship from its beginning to its tragic end, offering deeper insight into the pair’s world, including glimpses into Bessette-Kennedy’s time before fame and her interactions with figures like Paltrow.
Public Reaction and Portrayal in New Biographical Series
The upcoming series has already sparked debate, particularly around the lead actress Sarah Pidgeon’s initial look as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Early styling choices, including hair color, provoked criticism from fans who felt it did not match the real-life icon’s signature style. Ryan Murphy later admitted releasing initial test images was “a mistake,” but more recent appearances suggest adjustments have been made to reflect Bessette-Kennedy’s natural tones more accurately. Pidgeon’s hairstyle now features softer, warmer highlights that pay homage to the original “child-of-the-beach” hair color her hair stylist intended to recreate.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Gwyneth Paltrow diagnosed with?
A. Paltrow talked about her important discovery journey. She remembered a serious fracture in her tibial plateau, which needed surgery. This injury led to a bone scan. As a result, she was diagnosed with osteopenia.
Q. What is Gwyneth Paltrow’s skin condition?
A. Gwyneth Paltrow, who is an Oscar-winning actress and wellness business owner, strongly believes in taking care of oneself and holistic health. By sharing her personal experience with lichen sclerosus, she raised awareness about the condition and highlighted the importance of adopting healthy habits to manage chronic illnesses.
