Jackie Kennedy’s iconic purple coat to go on auction at Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s is set to auction one of Jackie Kennedy’s most iconic wardrobe pieces — her purple double-breasted coat, famously worn as she stood beside her husband, John F. Kennedy, on the night of his presidential victory on November 8, 1960.

The unlabeled wool coat features a rounded collar and a double-breasted front, tailored to fit Kennedy’s figure during her eighth month of pregnancy with John F. Kennedy Jr. According to Sotheby’s, the coat comes directly from a family “long and closely connected to the Kennedys.” After Jackie, the garment was passed on to other expectant women in her circle, described by the auction house as “a cherished piece symbolizing not only a historic night but also the bonds of friendship surrounding the future First Lady.”

Experts estimate the lot to fetch between $6,000 and $8,000, though items with such provenance and historical significance often exceed initial estimates.

The choice of purple continues to spark discussion. It is thought to reference the women’s suffrage movement, which traditionally used shades of purple and gold (with UK suffragettes wearing purple and green). The color later reappeared in January 2021 during President Joe Biden’s inauguration, when Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton donned bold purple outfits — a nod to unity, women’s empowerment, and tribute to Jackie Kennedy.

Sotheby’s notes that the vivid purple was a daring departure from the muted gray and beige tones typical of political wardrobes at the time, adding a sense of individuality and optimism to Jackie Kennedy’s look.