Jackie Kennedy Onassis, or simply Jackie O, was one of the most iconic women of the 20th century. She was not just a fashion icon, but also a savvy investor who amassed a considerable fortune during her lifetime. Her life was full of glamour, elegance, and sophistication, but behind the scenes, she was a shrewd businesswoman who knew how to make the most out of her assets. In this article, we will explore Jackie O’s rise from style icon to financial queen, and how she built her wealth through smart investments and strategic decision-making.
The Rise of Jackie O: From Fashion to Finance
Jackie O’s rise to fame began when she married John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. She became an instant style icon, known for her impeccable taste in clothes, jewelry, and accessories. Her signature look, which included pillbox hats, oversized sunglasses, and A-line dresses, became a global trend and inspired women around the world to emulate her sophisticated style. However, Jackie O was more than just a fashion icon. She was a well-educated woman who had studied at Georgetown University and the Sorbonne, and had a keen interest in politics and culture.
After JFK’s assassination in 1963, Jackie O became a widow at the age of 34. However, she did not let this tragedy define her life. Instead, she focused on raising her two children and pursuing her passions, which included literature, art, and history. She also started to invest her money wisely, buying properties in New York City and Martha’s Vineyard, and investing in stocks and bonds. Her financial savvy paid off, and she soon became one of the wealthiest women in the world.
How Jackie O Turned her Style into a Fortune
Jackie O’s style was not just a matter of taste, but also a strategic business decision. She understood the power of branding and used her image to endorse products and services that she believed in. She was a loyal customer of designers like Oleg Cassini and Valentino, and often wore their creations in public. She also used her influence to promote causes that she cared about, such as the preservation of historic landmarks and the arts.
In addition to her fashion endorsements, Jackie O also made smart investments that helped her grow her wealth. She was an early investor in the publishing industry, buying a share of Viking Press, which published some of the most popular books of the time. She also invested in real estate, buying properties in New York City and Martha’s Vineyard that appreciated in value over time. Her investment portfolio was diverse and well-managed, and she was able to maintain her wealth even after her second husband, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, passed away.
Jackie O’s life was a remarkable journey that combined style, culture, politics, and finance. She was a woman ahead of her time, who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women to succeed in business and beyond. Her legacy lives on, not just in her iconic fashion sense, but also in her entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to making a difference in the world. She was truly a queen, in every sense of the word.