Windswept on Madison

Born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in New York in 1929 to a privileged family, the girl who would eventually become the wife of the world\'s most famous man showed strong style credentials from a young age. By the time she became Mrs John F Kennedy in 1953 she had already become a fashion icon to women all over the world setting the style for the early sixties with her clean suits, sleeveless A-line dresses and pillbox hats.

It was old family friend, couturier Oleg Cassini who put her signature look together having persuaded the first lady that she should use him as the creator of her total look, rather than many designers (a decision which shocked and infuriated many of his rivals), but the decision proved pivotal. Wherever John and Jackie went in the world, all eyes were on her. But her innate sense of style extended way beyond the state visits and society functions of the Kennedy era. When Jackie was cruelly widowed in 1963 at the age of 34, her style changed dramatically, in keeping with her new single life. Gone were the conservative ‘campaign wife\' clothes, replaced with wide-leg pantsuits, jeans, large lapel jackets, silk Hermès head scarves and of course those large, round, dark sunglasses. When she married Aristotle Onassiss in 1968 her style changed once again to suit her Mediterranean lifestyle, encompassing gypsy skirts, hoop earrings, lots of jewellery and scraped back hair. Jackie O (as she became affectionately known), never had a bad fashion day and never took a bad photo, which is why 15 years after her death she is still referred to as one of the most influential people in fashion. Here, Handbag looks at the enduring style of this celebrity fashion icon.

Above One of the most iconic images of Jackie shot in 1971 on Madison Avenue, New York by original paparazzo Ron Galella, who she successfully sued the following year for harassment. He was subsequently restricted from coming within 100 yards of her home and 50 yards of her children (later reduced to 25 feet).

Trunk show

Petting an elephant during her tour of India in navy, green and white sleeveless shift dress and pendant necklace. (1962)

Passage to India

Saying goodbye to her husband John F Kennedy as she departs for a solo tour of India and Pakistan, wearing a stunning leopard coat, long black gloves and black pillbox hat. (1962)

Happy landing

Classic Jackie in double-breasted yellow dress coat with matching hat and white leather gloves, arriving at the airport with husband John F Kennedy for a tour of the Alliance For Progress projects in Latin America. (1961)

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Hospital visit

With husband John leaving St Mary\'s hospital in Palm Beach, Florida. Jackie wears a beige shift dress with button detail with trademark great accessories. (1961)

Dark day

Looking happy and the epitome of chic in a pink Chanel suit, Jackie and husband John arrive at Dallas airport for the fateful drive through Dallas. (1963)

Meeting Elizabeth

Jackie (with her children, John Jr and Caroline, and brother-in-law Robert Kennedy) greets the Queen during a ceremony to unveil a monument to John F Kennedy at Runnymede, wearing a smart white skirt suit and matching leather gloves teamed with pearl necklace and beret style hat. (1965)

Leaving Claridge\'s

Leaving Claridge\'s Hotel in London wearing her trademark oversize shades, a single-breasted mac style coat over flared hipster trousers and polo neck jersey. (1970)

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Downtime

Relaxing outside a cafe in Capri wearing a simple t-shirt, slacks and big headscarf, Jackie reaches for a copy of Italian magazine Genti, which features a cover story on a plot to kidnap her son, John F Kennedy Jr. (1970)

A night at the opera

At the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York City wearing a long, mint evening dress with a decorative belt. (1967)

Street style

Looking relaxed and elegant, Jackie strolls along a New York sidewalk in a white shift dress, oversize sunglasses, black pumps and Chanel handbag. (1970)

A night on the tiles

Looking bronzed and happy in a psychedelic print shift dress and jewellery, Jackie and her husband Aristotle Onassis leave an Athens nightclub at 7am after celebrating Jackie\'s 40th birthday. (1969)

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Capri sun

On a visit to Capri Jackie wears silk slacks and a simple t-shirt teamed with a decorative belt, thong sandals and hoop earrings.(1970)

Navy days

Out shopping alone at Bonwit Teller in New York wearing navy double-breasted coat, red striped polo neck jumper, go-go boots and trademark oversize sunglasses. (1970)

Style sisters

On a trip to the Alvin Theatre in New York with her sister Lee Radziwill, Jackie wears a striking, sheer zig-zag motif dress and flat pumps. (1970)

Return of the mac

Arriving back at JFK airport in New York from a trip to Jamaica with her son John Kennedy Jr in a stylish mac and printed silk headscarf. (1976)

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