Carolyn Bessette Kennedy had an iconic look, but she almost changed it up before the most important day of her life.
The late fashion publicist rose through the ranks at Calvin Klein thanks to her perennially chic, minimalist wardrobe and striking beauty.
It was Brad Johns who was responsible for the “chunk” highlights CBK made famous, a technique that he invented to take her from light brown to iconic, buttery blond.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy wed John F. Kennedy Jr. in a secret 1996 ceremony. They’re pictured here in 1999. Getty Images
Brad Johns was her hair colorist and close friend for many years. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
He recalls taking CBK (pictured here in 1995) from brunette to blond. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
But Johns tells Page Six Style exclusively that, days before her secret September 1996 wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr., the publicist was contemplating a major transformation.
“She came in a nervous wreck and she said, ‘I have something very special coming up. Dye my hair black,’” Johns recalls. “I said, ‘Absolutely not.’”
Not only was Johns set on keeping his client and friend looking fresh, but he also told us he would “never” dye her hair dramatically darker, and would advise anyone considering a major hair change to try a wig instead.
Seen here in 1998, CBK was known for her buttery shade of blond. FilmMagic
Johns used a “chunking” technique to achieve the ultimate ’90s aesthetic. The Kennedys are seen here in 1995. Getty Images
“Women, when they’re in a panic, they want something different,” says Johns, whose memoir, “Dye,” chronicles his legendary career.
While Johns had no idea that CBK would wed JFK Jr. in an intimate Georgia ceremony mere days after sitting in his chair, he said he knew she had “something special” planned.
Instead of taking her dark, he added even lighter blond pieces to frame her face.
“I said to her, ‘Thank God I left that those pieces in the front because you look like a princess,’” Johns recalls.