A Thousand Days of Magic: Dressing Jacqueline Kennedy for the White House

by Oleg Cassini

A gorgeously revised edition of this fashion favorite book, which combines Cassini’s memoirs of working closely with Jacqueline Kennedy during her brief White House years, his fashion philosophies and ideas, and the iconography of the early 1960s style and energy of the Kennedy years. Jacqueline Kennedy’s selection of Oleg Cassini to design her personal wardrobe as First Lady was not only fashion history, but political history as well. As the creator of the "Jackie look," Cassini made the First Lady one of the best-dressed women in the world and a glamorous icon of the Kennedy era. During the 1000 days of the Kennedy administration, Cassini designed over 300 outfits for Jackie Kennedy—coats, dresses, evening gowns, suits, and day wear—and coordinated every aspect of her wardrobe, from shoes and hats to gloves and handbags. In this book, Cassini offers a fascinating and comprehensive view of his role as Jackie’s personal couturier, a position that allowed him unprecedented access to both Jackie and John Kennedy as a designer and a trusted friend. From the details of his first meetings with the First Lady to his thoughts on Jackie’s clothes and their legacy, Cassini’s recollections are far-ranging and informative. Also included are Cassini's original sketches accompanied by 200 color and black-and-white photographs of the First Lady as she tours India, France, England, and Italy, shows off the White House, and hosts state dinners and family gatherings. Public moments as well as private ones capture the great elegance and charm of one of the most admired and emulated women in the world.

Genres: Fashion, History, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, Memoir

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 1995

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the photography and the stories behind the outfits. Jackie is a style icon for me, so I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. I found that a lot of the passages were repetitive, which was disappointing.

[Ronni Aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely pictures of Jacqueline and lovely stories and anecdotes.

[Bloodorange · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good in its class. RTC, with quotations.

[East Greenbush Community Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engrossing account of Jacqueline Kennedy's White House wardrobe complete with sketches and pictures. Amazing to see the taste, style and similarity that was present in her clothes.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible how these two (Cassini & Jackie) single-handedly changed American fashion ideals and created iconic looks.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably controversial and many people might not agree with me, but I have never really liked the Kennedy's, though I have a lot of sympathy for Jackie.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This visually stunning book is very well-written and interesting, as well. The author details his relationship with Jackie during the White House years. His sketches, which accompany photos of the dresses, really make this book.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a good read but a fantastic coffee table type of book. What can be better than to see Jackie in all her beautiful outfits.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great photos. Great design.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. It explains the thought that went into the design of her gowns. Oleg was a great friend and creative genius. There was no one with more class and grace than Jackie.

[BonnieL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos - it brought back memories of her grace and dignity

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful First Lady Jackie was!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the photos and drawings, didn't care to hear about him.