Jacqueline kennedy's secret design partnership revealed in newly found letters
Beyond the iconic style and poised grace, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis possessed a remarkably detailed hand in shaping the interiors of her most cherished homes. Newly unearthed letters, exchanged between Kennedy and textile designers D.D. and Leslie Tillett, offer an unprecedented glimpse into a creative collaboration that helped define American design during the early 1960s and beyond.
A partnership built on a shared vision
The letters, recently surfaced within the Tillett family archives, illuminate Kennedy’s deep involvement in the design process, far surpassing the role of a mere client. While she worked with renowned decorators like Sister Parish, Stéphane Boudin, and Albert Hadley, the Tilletts became invaluable partners, their fabrics appearing repeatedly throughout her residences—from the White House to her Fifth Avenue apartment and even her Greek home with Aristotle Onassis.
Founded in the 1940s, Tillett Textiles distinguished itself through hand-screening techniques and a bespoke approach, attracting a clientele of discerning decorators and homeowners. Their connection with Kennedy began through Parish's work on the White House renovation, laying the foundation for a relationship that would span decades.
Kennedy's meticulous eye was evident in every detail. Parish would often present swatches and samples, frequently with Kennedy or Hadley present, sparking a process of “much back and forth,” as Seth Tillett, the youngest son of D.D. and Leslie, recalls. Kennedy didn't simply offer approvals; she actively participated in refining color palettes, scale, and overall composition, reviewing samples directly within her rooms.
From the white house to hyannis port and beyond
The most recognizable product of this collaboration is undoubtedly the “Jackie’s Daisy” motif, gracing the curtains and headboard of her 1961 White House bedroom. A beautiful synthesis of Kennedy’s interest in historic preservation, Parish’s American country aesthetic, and the Tilletts’ adaptability, the daisy pattern remains a timeless symbol of the Kennedy era. But the relationship extended far beyond Washington. At the Kennedy family's Hyannis Port compound, Tillett fabrics, including their Chrysanthemum patterns, were prominently featured. Even her wardrobe benefited from the partnership, with Kennedy incorporating Tillett textiles into her clothing.
The correspondence reveals a fascinating intersection of design and social impact. In 1969, Kennedy championed The Design Works of Bedford-Stuyvesant, a pioneering Black-owned textile and design studio in Brooklyn. Initially a partnership between Leslie Tillett and community leaders, the project blossomed thanks to support from Senator Robert F. Kennedy, providing a vital platform for African-inspired design, Black pride, and economic opportunity. Kennedy’s 1969 note to Leslie Tillett, praising the project as “the most impressive thing I have ever seen,” speaks volumes about her commitment to social change and artistic empowerment.
A lifelong friendship
The letters weren't solely about design; they documented a genuine friendship. Kennedy and the Tilletts shared family news and creative aspirations, forging a bond that endured for years. One poignant note simply expressed hope for “good news for each other,” highlighting the depth of their connection. Even after Kennedy's marriage to Aristotle Onassis, she continued to seek out the Tilletts’ expertise, sketching dimensions for banquettes in her Greek home, envisioning them upholstered in their distinctive “Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors” stripe.
The partnership culminated in a personal touch when the Tilletts designed custom tablecloths for Caroline Kennedy’s wedding in 1986. Kennedy’s subsequent letter to D.D. Tillett, declaring the tablecloths “more perfect” and noting their storage alongside her daughter’s wedding dress, is a testament to the enduring legacy of their collaboration.
The newly revealed correspondence doesn’t just illuminate the design choices of a First Lady; it reveals the power of collaboration, the enduring value of craftsmanship, and the profound impact of a shared vision, demonstrating that the true elegance of a home lies not just in its aesthetics, but in the stories woven within its fabrics.