From the Archive: Jackie Kennedy’s 1971 NYC Apartment Overflowed with Prints by Local Artists

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was more than a fashion icon—her impeccable taste extended deeply into her living spaces. In 1971, her New York apartment became a vibrant showcase for textiles created by local artists from Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. These fabrics were not only stunning but also carried a powerful story of community revitalization and creative collaboration. Let’s take a closer look at how Jackie O’s interiors intertwined with a mission to uplift a neighborhood through art and design.

The Intersection of Art and Community Revival

Bedford-Stuyvesant, a predominantly Black neighborhood spanning seven miles by four in Brooklyn, was at the heart of a significant social and cultural movement during the 1960s and ’70s. After a tragic police shooting in 1964 galvanized efforts for change, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Jackie’s brother-in-law, joined forces with civic leaders to launch the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation. Their goal was to breathe new life into the area, fostering pride and safety for its residents. This included transforming urban spaces into playful, car-free environments where children could roam freely.

Design Works of Bedford-Stuyvesant emerged from this energy, creating a platform where local artists could contribute their talents toward economic and cultural renewal. Mrs. Onassis recognized the potential in their bold, vibrant textile designs and became a champion for the initiative. Within a year, Design Works boasted a full production operation with creative staff and facilities, creating prints that were as much about heritage as they were about modern style.

12 x 48" Aden Lumbar Pillow

Handwoven cotton lumbar pillow, 12x48 inches, soft and durable.

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Striking Fabrics with a Story

The textiles produced by Design Works were notable for their bold colors and striking patterns, many inspired by African motifs and nature. Think oversized banana leaves in fiery yellow and red, abstract fish scales in soft coral and white—each print radiated energy and originality. These fabrics were crafted on heavy cotton duck, delicate synthetics, and vinyl-coated materials, with Connaissance Fabrics distributing them across the country.

What set these prints apart was the seamless blend of artistic expression and community empowerment. The fabrics carried a palpable spirit of Brooklyn’s cultural renaissance, making their way into homes far beyond the neighborhood’s borders. Jackie Onassis’s New York apartment was a prime example of how these textiles could transform interiors, adding dimension and life to traditional settings.

Cora Decorative Bowl

Handcrafted porcelain bowl with sculptural ring details, satin glaze.

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Layering Bold Prints into Timeless Elegance

Jackie Onassis embraced the young artists’ work wholeheartedly, selecting two favorite patterns that became central to her apartment’s look. The library, a warm and inviting space where her children did homework and entertained friends, featured a couch upholstered in “Large Feather,” a cotton duck fabric with a contemporary twist on African design. Its black and hot rust hues played beautifully against antique needlepoint rugs, tufted chairs, and ancient sculptures that filled the room. Personal touches like John Jr.’s handmade flower container and art books created an intimate atmosphere steeped in history and creativity.

Meanwhile, the dining room was an elegant backdrop for “Fish Head Plaid,” a dynamic geometric print in coral, brown, and white. Against striated coral walls, brown velvet armchairs, and cool marble fireplaces, the fabric brought a fresh vibrancy to a collection of antiques and art objects. Delicate touches like Sèvres porcelain, Georgian mother-of-pearl butter plates, and antique Chinese dog candle holders mingled effortlessly with the contemporary textiles, creating a space that felt both timeless and modern.

Kintan Vase

Terracotta jug vase with matte glaze, earthy texture, 6"x7.75".

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A Legacy Woven Into Design

Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s choice to incorporate Design Works fabrics into her home was more than a style statement—it was a deliberate act of support for a community in the midst of transformation. By blending bold prints and rich textures in her interiors, she created spaces that told a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Her apartment stands as a timeless example of how design can serve as a bridge between art, activism, and everyday living.