Fashion Influential #42: Oleg Cassini
Images via Ohio History and NYTimes.
OLEG CASSINI
Born:
April 11, 1913 in Paris, France
Died:
March 17, 2006 in Long Island, NY
Wives and Girlfriends:
Mary Fahrney, Gene Tierney, Marianne Nestor, Grace Kelly, Betty Grable, Lana Turner, Ursula Andress
Worn by:
Jacqueline Kennedy, Gene Tierney, Grace Kelly,
Beginnings.
Oleg Cassini's parents were Russian nobles who fled the country during the Russian Revolution. Oleg was born in Paris, but grew up in Florence, eventually studying art at the Accademia Belle Arti under modern master Giorgio Di Chirico. He moved to the US in 1936, settling down in Hollywood, where he worked as an assistant to famed costume designer Edith Head.
Career Highs.
Cassini became a sought-after costumer in his own right when, in 1941, he met his future wife Gene Tierney on the set of The Shanghai Gesture. Tierney insisted on wearing Cassini's designs in each of her films until their divorce in 1952. In 1960, Cassini became an internationally recognized designer when First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy selected him as the White House couturier. He created around 300 outfits for the First Lady.
We are on the threshold of a new American elegance thanks to Mrs. Kennedy's beauty, naturalness, understatement, exposure and symbolism.
- Oleg Cassini
Jacqueline Kennedy's pillbox hat is now permanently associated with her image.Career Lows.
Jacqueline Kennedy's choice came as surprise to many in the fashion world, as the Hollywood pretty boy - who was once unofficially engaged to starlet Grace Kelly - wasn't considered a heavy hitter. One Women's Wear Daily writer said of Kennedy's choice of couturier: "Everyone was surprised. Oleg Cassini had been around for years. He was debonair, amusing, social, but none of the fashion intellectuals had considered him an important designer."
Legacy.
Jacqueline Kennedy was the greatest style icon of the last century, and it was Cassini who crafted her signature look. He designed her pillbox hat, her carefully tailored suits, her oversize buttons - he chose the gold brocade fabrics. He deserves credit for his role in the creation of America's greatest fashion legend.
Actress Gene Tierney had two children with Cassini.Get the Look.
Cassini designed boxy jackets with oversize buttons for Mrs. Kennedy, later Jacqueline Onassis. The style is still quite popular, and affordable: Isaac Mizrahi offered a Jackie-O inspired brocade jacket for Target last fall. Pair one of these with a pretty skirt (matching, if possible), a pair of short gloves, and a fabulous, well-groomed hairstyle. Find yourself a string of pearls (faux will do), and you're set.
- Alicia
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