The news that Sarah Pidgeon will play the late fashion icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in the upcoming FX series “American Love Story” has generated widespread buzz. As the wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn became a ’90s icon with her minimalist yet charismatic style. For this role, Sarah’s image transformation was particularly significant, with the precise reproduction of her signature blonde hair being a key focus.
From Controversy to Acceptance
Initial test photos showed Sarah Pidgeon sporting an overly monotonous, ash-tinged platinum blonde, sparking online discussion and some skepticism. Renowned hairstylist Brad Johns, Carolyn’s personal hairstylist at the time, called the look “too modern” and a far cry from Carolyn’s “fairytale beach tones” of the ’90s. After careful blending by a professional hairstylist, Sarah’s new hair color features a more natural “caramel” brown at the roots, transitioning to “creamy” blonde highlights, perfectly embodying Carolyn’s signature multi-layered highlighting technique.
Hair Color Details: From “Caramel” to “Cream”
According to Sarah’s hair colorist, Kari Hill, the entire process took 18 hours, spread over two days to protect the hair. She employed a multi-tonal technique, ensuring a natural transition at the roots and focusing on “creamy blonde” highlights. She focused on the layering of color around the face and along the underside of the hair, creating a light, warm, sun-kissed effect. This “but not forced” naturalness embodies Carolyn’s effortless, “breezy beach” aesthetic.
Sarah Pidgeon’s Interpretation: More Than Just the Look
Sarah admitted that playing Carolyn was “both satisfying and responsible.” She described Carolyn as a woman of “incredibly generous and confident” and, through her portrayal, she sought to discover and connect with her steadfast and composed demeanor. This inner spirit makes Sarah’s blonde hair not only a visual symbol but also a vehicle for the character’s profound personality.
Triumphant Details and a ’90s Fashion Revival
At a Los Angeles premiere, Sarah sported a new hair color, paired with a ’90s-inspired makeup look—matte rose lips, champagne eyeshadow, and accentuated brows. She wore a simple nude Prada off-the-shoulder cocktail dress, with pleats at the hem and waist, and oversized buttons, alluding to Carolyn’s minimalist yet chic style. Knee-high black leather boots added a touch of modern cool to the look.
Cultural Memory and Artistic Heritage Behind Hair Color
Sarah Pidgeon’s reimagining of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s blonde hair is not only a tribute to a fashion classic, but also a mission to recreate the radiance of this legendary woman’s personality. Through meticulous manipulation of color and detail, she not only reshaped the appearance but also ignited the audience’s emotional resonance and nostalgia for that period of history. At the intersection of film and reality, this change in hair color is a gentle gaze at time.
