Maria Vittoria Melchioni will join us to tell a stellar story: that of John Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, two immortal icons (Minerva Edizioni). She will do so alongside journalist Lorenza Cerbini.

The Book:

There are names in the pantheon of American icons that shine brighter than others. Among these are certainly John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette. He, the beloved son of a legendary president and one of the most admired women of all time, was an attorney and journalist known as one of the world's most attractive men. She, a stunningly blonde, ultra-elegant WASP, and influential PR executive at Calvin Klein, was swept up by an unwanted fame that reluctantly transformed her into a style icon. Young, wealthy, charismatic, and beautiful, they left a mark on the last decade of the 20th century through their lifestyle, fashion sense, and, simply, their way of being.

This biography reconstructs their lives, following them along parallel paths that converge on the day of their famously secret wedding. The book delves into John’s "George" magazine—his venture into political publishing—while also portraying the parties, paparazzi chases, epic arguments in Central Park, and intimate dinners with friends amid the glamour of New York City at its peak. Commemorating the 25th anniversary of their tragic death in a plane crash off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, the authors propose that John and Carolyn’s life wasn’t solely a tragedy but a fleeting burst of light, hinting at what might have been had that Piper Saratoga landed safely. That same light continues to inspire designers, influencers, celebrities, and all who dream of a return to Camelot. Featuring forewords by Gianni Riotta and Paola Pollo.

The Authors:

Maria Vittoria Melchioni is originally from Modena. After earning her degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures, she completed a Master’s in Journalism and attended the Ilaria Alpi School of Advanced Journalism in Bologna. She trained at Sky Tg24 and Sky Sport and spent sixteen years with the Gedi Group, covering culture and lifestyle. Currently, she writes for the Bologna, Veneto, and Trentino editions of Corriere della Sera and contributes to Corriere.it.

Ursula Beretta is from Milan. Following her degree in Modern Literature, she focused on Communications and Public Relations. She currently writes on fashion and lifestyle for MF Fashion and contributes to Corriere della Sera and La Lettura with book reviews. Her work also appears in various national and online publications. She is a copywriter and studied at the Belleville Writing School in Milan.