Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ iconic violet wool coat, worn on the night of John F. Kennedy’s 1960 election victory, is heading to auction at Sotheby’s with an estimated value of $6,000 to $8,000. This historic garment, which symbolized a new era in American politics and fashion, will be featured in Sotheby’s inaugural Handbags & Fashion sale next month.
The coat, a vivid violet wool maternity piece, was worn by Jacqueline Kennedy when she was eight months pregnant with her second child, John F. Kennedy Jr., as she stood beside her husband on election night in Hyannis Port. Its striking color stood out against the traditional political wardrobe, and it was immortalized on the cover of Life magazine’s special issue introducing the new First Couple, cementing Jackie’s status as a style icon even before moving into the White House.
Sotheby’s will auction the coat as part of its first-ever Handbags & Fashion exhibition at its new global headquarters in the Breuer building in New York. The auction, which opens for bidding until December 15, marks a significant moment for the auction house as it expands into fashion and accessories in this prestigious space. The coat is expected to attract considerable interest from collectors due to its historical and cultural significance.
The provenance of the coat adds to its allure; it comes from a family with deep, long-standing ties to the Kennedy family. Interestingly, the coat was shared among a close circle of Kennedy’s friends, many of whom were expectant mothers, serving as an emblem of friendship and shared experience during a transformative time in their lives.
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, emphasized the coat’s unique place in history, stating that it ‘gracefully captures the spirit of a turning point in American history’ and reflects Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ ability to communicate optimism and modernity through style. She described it as a rare artifact where beauty, symbolism, and history converge, offering collectors an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of enduring cultural resonance.
Beyond the Kennedy coat, the auction features other notable fashion items, including an Alexander McQueen green velvet and bugle beaded evening gown from the fall 2007 collection, estimated at $7,000 to $12,000. This gown reflects McQueen’s engagement with personal history, specifically the Salem witch trials, and is cut in dark green velvet with a structured silhouette.
Additional highlights include an Yves Saint Laurent jumpsuit estimated between $1,000 and $5,000, a 1993 Dior haute couture fur coat by Gianfranco Ferré valued at $5,000 to $7,000, and a Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld blue and gold tweed jacket from pre-fall 2019, with estimates of $3,000 to $5,000. The handbag section boasts high-value items like a 1990s Hermès vintage Sterling Silver Mini Kelly, expected to fetch $80,000 to $150,000.
The sale will be on view at Sotheby’s New York from December 5 to 8, allowing potential bidders to inspect the items before the auction. This event not only highlights the enduring appeal of vintage fashion but also underscores the growing market for historical artifacts that blend aesthetics with narrative depth, appealing to both fashion enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
