Why did Carolyn Bessette quit Calvin Klein?

Entertainment Weekly • March 6, 2026 • entertainment

Key Points:

Carolyn Bessette began her career at Calvin Klein after being noticed by Susan Sokol, who offered her a role working with celebrity clients, where she worked hard and gained significant industry experience.
Bessette left Calvin Klein in 1996 due to the intense media scrutiny and stress following her relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr., which made it difficult for her to continue working there.
After quitting, Bessette explored other career paths, including nonprofit fundraising and potentially studying psychology, aiming to make a meaningful impact outside the fashion industry.
Her decision to step back from fashion was also influenced by JFK Jr.’s political ambitions, as she wanted to avoid public scrutiny that could affect his career.
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