Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad
January 28, 2010
This morning I’d like to share with you some charming photographs of Jackie Kennedy and her sister, Lee Radziwill, touring India and Pakistan in 1962. Jackie’s wardrobe was a focal point as she sought to choose colors and fabrics that would compliment her host countries. It is estimated she wore 22 outfits on the trip—one day in New Delhi she changed five times! There were, of course, underlying political motives to the visit (America was wary of Soviet interest in India as the cold war waged), but the ladies would have us believe their trip was pure pleasure. Everywhere they went the crowds chanted “Hail Jackie!” and referred to her as the “Queen of America.” It was written she created “a visual metaphor for the youthful new face of America: one that was cultured, sophisticated, and stylish.” Stylish indeed! Now who wants to go to India with me?
Above, Jackie at the Taj Majal. She visited twice, once during the day and later by moonlight.
Jackie and her sister sit atop a female elephant (newly painted for the occasion).
Jackie feeds a baby elephant.
Jackie visits a textile showroom in Banaras donning a sleeveless pink sheath.
Jackie visiting a children’s hospital.
The first lady chatting with Indira Ghandi, the prime minister’s daughter. In 1966 Indira became prime minister herself.
Jackie and Lee with their cameras.
Jackie strolling with Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his garden. The Nehru jacket is named for him.
Jackie cheering at a sporting event.
Jackie among crowds in Udaipur.
Jackie walks with the Maharaj of Mewar in a silk frock, gloves and her trademark pearls.
Jackie pets a boisterous camel in Pakistan.
Jackie and Lee atop the camel.
“It’s been a dream” Jackie said of her trip. If you like these images you’ll love the book Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad containing watercolors of Jackie’s travels throughout India, Pakistan, Paris, London and Rome. It’s now out of print, but used copies are fairly easy to find. Hope you’ve enjoyed the photos!
(all images courtesy of Life Magazine)
Comments
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Natalie says:
LOVE these pictures! I’m going to have to order the book – it reminds me of “One Special Summer”, which quickly ascended my top 10 list when it was republished a few years back. And P.S. thank you for your way-ahead-of-the-game Elle Decor cover reveal! Counting down the days until I find it in my mailbox… XXXX, N.
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this is an amazing collection of pictures!!! I am a HUGE jackie o fan and most of these i have never seen before. thank you for sharing!!!!
and yes- i will go to india with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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So glad you ladies love Jackie as well! I’m dying to go to India and retrace some of her steps. What a beautiful country…
XXX Kate -
I so miss seeing a glimpse of her simple, but chic world! I wonder if she would be paying attentions to today’s fads or even blogging?
What a wonderful blog she would have had.
Thanks for sharing these, I have never seen them before.
Leslie -
Such style and grace. These photos are such an excellent find. It’s so interesting to see how her trip (and clothing!) were planned.
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I do love Jackie O. so! Such elegance.
After seeing that Lee + pug picture that you posted recently, I looked her up and she is so admirably lovely as well!
I remember seeing this book in bookstores years ago, and you mentioning it just now has reignited by desire to purchase it. -
Hi ladies!
I hadn’t ever seen most of these shots either until recently—the Life magazine online archives are such a find. Do explore them!
XXXX Kate -
I can’t even describe the feeling I get when I see these images. So chaming she was. Elegant and oh so classy. Just lovely.
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Jackie did have style! If you are a fan, and you haven’t done so already, check out One Special Summer. It is the scrapbook of their trip to Europe they took at the ages of 18 and 22 – it’s a lot of fun!
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KateMcG says:
She’s amazing!! These photos are amazing! Her style is impeccable… I wish i could still walk around Georgetown in those outfits and white gloves :)
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This was a great post Kate. very unique. Love it and will have to check out the book. Lynn
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I love her! These pictures are amazing – thanks for digging them out of the archives and sharing them!
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She is fabulous. Love these pictures!!
P.s. I did LOVE the Sun also Rises!! It was a great book! And I’m glad you like the winter photo.
perfectly chic, her style clearly transcends the test of time. love the images – india is truly a magical place {and i adore the baby elephants :) }
bravo!
xo,
sylvie