A recent discovery has ignited excitement among enthusiasts of both understated luxury and 1990s fashion. It has been revealed that the signature tortoiseshell headbands, a staple accessory for the late style icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, are still being sold at C.O. Bigelow, an enduring apothecary located in New York City's Greenwich Village. This timely find adds a tangible connection to Bessette-Kennedy's classic aesthetic, particularly as public interest in her life is rekindled by an upcoming television series.
C.O. Bigelow, established in 1838 as a traditional apothecary on Sixth Avenue, has evolved over the centuries. Beyond its pharmaceutical roots, the establishment now offers a diverse range of in-house products spanning beauty, wellness, and lifestyle categories. Among these offerings are the very flat-band tortoiseshell headbands that Bessette-Kennedy frequently used to stylishly manage her golden-blonde hair, solidifying the store's unexpected link to fashion history.
The current wave of nostalgia for Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, often referred to as CBK, has reached a peak with the impending release of 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.' This new series, scheduled to premiere on FX and stream on Hulu, is expected to bring Bessette-Kennedy's life and sartorial choices back into the spotlight. While it's uncertain whether actress Sarah Pigeon, cast as Bessette-Kennedy, will feature the headbands in the show, their continued availability at C.O. Bigelow makes them an easily accessible piece of her iconic style.
A representative from C.O. Bigelow confirmed that Bessette-Kennedy was a loyal customer. The store offers the headband style she popularized in two variations: a classic thicker band, similar to the one seen in many famous paparazzi photographs, and a more slender version. Both styles are available in a variety of shades, including classic tortoise, Tokyo (a blend of beige and white), demi-blonde (a yellowish-beige), bone, and leopard print, with prices ranging from $20 to $30.
While only a select number of headband designs are listed on C.O. Bigelow's official website, the company has indicated that it accepts phone orders, a charmingly retro approach that aligns perfectly with the '90s aesthetic embraced by many of Bessette-Kennedy's admirers.
The enduring appeal of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's style, characterized by its understated elegance and timeless quality, continues to resonate with contemporary fashion trends. The rediscovery of these specific headbands not only offers fans a piece of her wardrobe but also highlights how certain iconic accessories can transcend time and maintain their allure. This connection to a beloved fashion figure reinforces the idea that true style, like C.O. Bigelow itself, can stand the test of time, proving that some trends are indeed everlasting.