Carolyn Bessette Kennedy had an iconic look, but she almost changed it up before the most important day of her life.<\/p>\n
The late fashion publicist rose through the ranks at Calvin Klein thanks to her perennially chic, minimalist wardrobe and striking beauty.<\/p>\n
It was Brad Johns who was responsible for the \u201cchunk\u201d highlights CBK made famous, a technique that he invented to take her from light brown to iconic, buttery blond.<\/p>\n
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy wed John F. Kennedy Jr. in a secret 1996 ceremony. They\u2019re pictured here in 1999. Getty Images<\/p>\n
Brad Johns was her hair colorist and close friend for many years. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images<\/p>\n
He recalls taking CBK (pictured here in 1995) from brunette to blond. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe came in a nervous wreck and she said, \u2018I have something very special coming up. Dye my hair black,’\u201d Johns recalls. \u201cI said,\u00a0\u2018Absolutely not.’\u201d<\/p>\n
Not only was Johns set on keeping his client and friend looking fresh, but he also told us he would \u201cnever\u201d dye her hair dramatically darker, and would advise anyone considering a major hair change to try a wig instead.<\/p>\n
Seen here in 1998, CBK was known for her buttery shade of blond. FilmMagic<\/p>\n
Johns used a \u201cchunking\u201d technique to achieve the ultimate \u201990s aesthetic. The Kennedys are seen here in 1995. Getty Images<\/p>\n