FX's 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' Recreates 1990s Landmarks with Meticulous Detail
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The new Ryan Murphy-produced series for FX meticulously recreates the 1990s world of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Production designer Alex DiGerlando and his team sourced historical details and adapted real locations to build authentic sets, from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's apartment to the Calvin Klein offices. The series uses specific venues in New York City, modified to match the period's aesthetic.
Facts First
- The series is a Ryan Murphy production for FX set in the 1990s.
- Production designer Alex DiGerlando led the set design, sourcing details from historical records.
- Key locations were recreated, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's apartment and Calvin Klein's minimalist headquarters.
- Real New York City venues were modified, such as using Brooklyn's Elsewhere to stand in for the Roxy nightclub.
- The design emphasizes period authenticity with specific color palettes, furniture, and industrial materials.
What Happened
Production for the FX series 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' involved detailed historical recreation of 1990s New York landmarks. Production designer Alex DiGerlando sourced information on Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's apartment from a cookbook and a Sotheby's auction catalog. The team matched most furniture exactly but changed a blue striped sofa to pink and white and replaced busy red wallpaper with a blush tone. For John F. Kennedy Jr.'s loft, the design featured plain white walls with no artwork, inspired by 1990s loft spaces.
The Calvin Klein office set was designed with a palette of grays and neutrals, using industrial materials like gray sheet-metal shelving and exterior floodlight fixtures, reflecting the minimalist style architect John Pawson brought to the brand. The production used the Elsewhere venue in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood to represent the defunct Roxy nightclub, adding swings, banquettes, disco balls, and chandeliers. The Panna II Garden Restaurant was used as the filming location for a script-specified Indian restaurant, with its exterior modified to be period-correct.
Why this Matters to You
If you enjoy period dramas or are interested in 1990s culture and design, this series may offer a visually rich and authentic viewing experience. The meticulous set design could provide a compelling backdrop that immerses you in the era's specific aesthetic, from minimalist offices to vibrant nightlife. For viewers familiar with New York City, spotting modified real locations might add an extra layer of engagement.
What's Next
The series is currently in production. Viewers can likely expect its release on FX and Hulu in the future, where the detailed recreations will be fully showcased. The focus on authentic design may set a standard for how biographical period pieces are visually approached.