Playing Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Has Transformed Sarah Pidgeon's Career and Perspective on Beauty
As the world's fascination with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy intensifies this year, Hailey Bieber, the founder of Rhode, has found a new muse in Sarah Pidgeon, who portrays Bessette-Kennedy in Ryan Murphy's 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette'.
"Playing Carolyn has been an incredible journey," Pidgeon shares over the phone, reflecting on her experience. She's still basking in the glow of the SAG Awards red carpet, but her enthusiasm is tempered by a profound lesson she learned from her role. "There's a lot to explore in the contrast between public and private life. When I embody Carolyn, I delve into her relationship with perception and presentation. It's fascinating how fashion can be a powerful storytelling tool."
Beauty is an integral part of this narrative. I first encountered Pidgeon in the Tony Award-winning play 'Stereophonic', where she portrayed a singer-songwriter named Diana. At the time, she was a brunette with long, 70s-inspired waves. Shortly after, she underwent a dramatic blonde transformation to become Bessette-Kennedy, a process that involved multiple bleaching sessions.
"Looking at photos of myself with brown hair feels just as shocking as when I first saw myself as a blonde," Pidgeon notes. "But I see it as a new chapter in my life, and embracing a different hair color is exciting. My wardrobe feels different with blonde hair, and I'm drawn to various colors now."
Courtesy of Rhode
"It took a significant amount of time to achieve this light hair color, so I plan to keep the blonde until I decide to change it or need to switch for a new role," she adds. "There are countless blonde shades to explore."
When I inquire about her feelings towards pink, a color often associated with blondes, Pidgeon surprises me. "Interestingly, I think I was more averse to pink when I was a brunette," she reveals. Just the night before our conversation, she donned a pastel pink Balenciaga dress at the SAG Awards. "I understand the natural connection between blondes and pink," she explains. "But I genuinely enjoy using the color, especially in products like blush; it feels refreshing."
Rhode's latest campaign showcases two new Pocket Blush shades: raspberry pink Teacup and warm red Candy Apple, along with two Peptide Lip Treatments in pearly pink Sweet Pea and mauve Pretzel. New phone cases in pink are also on the horizon, available for purchase on March 9 (you can sign up for the waitlist now).
This campaign marks an exciting milestone for Rhode, as it draws inspiration from the brand's most dedicated fans. Bieber and her team conducted a social media vote to determine the most requested colors, resulting in the creation of Pretzel and Sweet Pea.
The campaign's success has Pidgeon contemplating the essence of blush. "There are numerous types of blushes, but what truly makes me blush is when someone sees me authentically," she says. "When someone pierces through the performance you put on for the world. However, one aspect I've yet to master in my craft is summoning a blush."
Until she achieves that, Pidgeon has the Pocket Blush to rely on, ensuring she always looks her best.
