A lady of style

Fashion icon, renowned beauty and celebrated international socialite,  Lee Radziwill, the younger sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, passed away at her home in Manhattan on February 15.  She was aged 85.

Lee often remarked how she lived in Jacki’s shadow but her beauty and her innate sense of style, enabled her to shine her own beacon.  She was inspirational in showing us how to stay on trend at any age.

Lee Radziwill attends Vanity Fair’s party for the opening of the Tribeca Film Festival at the Supreme Courthouse in New York City. 2008  Huffington Post

Lee featured on lists of the world’s best-dressed women and for good reason.  Whenever photographed or whatever the occasion, she glowed.  She could look swish with an effortless air – a T-shirt and jeans was all it took.

Casual and chic. Image: https://www.wikifeet.com/Lee_Radziwill

What is often overlooked when Jacki Kennedy’s style is lauded, is that Lee was responsible for introducing Jacqui to Hubert de Givenchy who went on to influence Jacki’s style.  Many of Jacki’s choices were recommended by Lee.  This image shows their impeccable dressing and presentation.  Style setters on the go!

Lee and Jacki had a complicated relationship that continued throughout their lives.  Despite this, the sisters were close during Jacki’s time as first lady.  They travelled together, shared holidays and celebrated family gatherings.  After the President’s tragic death, Lee supported her sister and helped her settled in a New York apartment, nearby her own on Fifth Avenue.

Pretty in Pink. On holiday in India in 1962

She never failed to look fabulous either when attending fashion shows,

Lee Radziwill arrives at Giambattista Valli Spring 2012 RTW GIAMBATTISTA VALL Image: WWD

 

Lee Radziwill (L) and Salma Hayek attend Giambattista Valli’s spring 2012 haute couture runway show at Hotel de Crillon.  Image WWD

or film festivals, she simply shone.  Groomed to perfection and never overdone.

Lee Radziwill attends Vanity Fair’s party for the opening of the Tribeca Film Festival at the Supreme Courthouse in New York City.   Image WWD

Lee had a passion for the arts, music and dance and pursued an acting career.   She had three marriages, one of which was to Polish Prince Stanislaw Radziwill, affording her the title of Princess and the father of her two children.   Although she was probably most noted as the sister of Jacqueline Kennedy, we vote her as ‘totally chic’.  This lady oozed class.

Princess Lee Radziwill by Nicky Haslam