Kim Kardashian Did Not Buy Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Prada Coat for $192K
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s iconic Prada coat has set a new auction record, selling for an impressive $192,000, marking the highest price ever for any garment she owned.
The coat garnered significant attention online, with many speculating that celebrity Kim Kardashian might have made the purchase. Comments ranged from excitement to criticism, with one user exclaiming, “I swear to God if Kim K pops up with it,” while others labeled the potential sale as “dystopian” and “morbid.”
However, Lucy Bishop from The Fashion Auctioneer revealed that the distinctive camel coat was acquired by an unnamed museum. Despite inquiries sent to several fashion institutions, the specific buyer remains undisclosed.
With a rich history attached, the coat was frequently photographed, including during significant moments in Bessette Kennedy’s life, such as outings with her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr.
Although Kardashian, known for her collection of high-profile fashion items, seemed like a plausible buyer—previously purchasing a Cartier watch owned by Jackie Kennedy Onassis for $379,500—Bishop indicated that collectors from all corners of the globe showed interest in the Bessette Kennedy sale. “It really attracted a mix of fans, fashion enthusiasts, and serious collectors,” she stated.
thefashionauctioneer.com
The final auction price of $160,000 reflects Bessette Kennedy’s standing as a timeless fashion icon, with the total including a buyer’s premium of $192,000. Originally gifted to RoseMarie Terenzio, JFK Jr.’s assistant, the coat later found its way to Michele Ammon, who consigned it for the auction.
Other noteworthy pieces from Bessette Kennedy’s wardrobe have also emerged, including a white Prada coat that sold for just over $9,000 and a Yohji Yamamoto dress that fetched $20,000.
As Bessette Kennedy’s legacy continues to resonate, the sale of her coat highlights a growing market for historical fashion items. The interest parallels the upward trend seen with Princess Diana’s memorabilia, whose items have skyrocketed in value over the past years.
Amid hopes for a future exhibition dedicated to Bessette Kennedy, Bishop remarked on the enduring fascination with her style, emphasizing the generational allure it holds for fashion lovers.
Despite the limited availability of authenticated items from Bessette Kennedy’s wardrobe, her impact on fashion remains undeniable, as many pieces associated with Jackie Kennedy are now part of extensive public collections. “I would love for there to be an exhibition on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy hosted by a major museum,” Bishop expressed.
