25 Years After She Died, PEOPLE Celebrates the 'Magic' of Jackie Kennedy's Life, Legacy and Style

On May 19, 1994 — after decades as one of the most famous (and most headline-making) women in the world —Jacqueline Kennedy Onassispassed away in New York at 64.

In a commemorative special edition, out now, PEOPLE celebrates the life, legacy and timeless style of the former first lady, which persist 25 years later.

Growing up in the Hamptons as Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, Onassis’ sense of style was instilled at horse shows, prep schools and debutante balls.

Later, as the wife of then-Sen.John F. Kennedy, her fashion taste blossomed to includeAudrey Hepburn-inspired looks with full skirts, white blouses and ballet flats, made popular in films such asSabrinaandFunnyFace; as well as the sophisticated gowns and dress suits of the “Camelot” era, which she dubbed a bright, shining moment of hope and vitality.

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For Onassis, fashion was more than just clothes: It was a reflection of her identity and what she needed from the world over time.

PEOPLE’s commemorative issueJackie: A Life in Styleisavailable now on Amazonand wherever magazines are sold

After Kennedy’s assassination in the third year of his presidency, Onassis transitioned into turtlenecks, headscarves, jeans, bare feet and sunglasses for privacy.

The 96-page PEOPLE special issue is packed with photos of Onassis’ most memorable moments from her childhood, memories with President Kennedy and their son,John F. Kennedy Jr.Plus: a look at her marriage withAristotle Onassis, as a widow in New York breaking into the publishing industry, and at her relationship with sisterLee Radziwill, who passed away earlier this year.

Even decades later, Onassis still influences the styles of many prominent figures, from first ladies to princesses and Hollywood actresses, all of whom have taken cues from one of the best.

“Mrs. Kennedy was that magic that you cannot explain,” fashion designer Manolo Blahnik previously told PEOPLE. “She typified America — just shining, full of optimism and intelligence.”

source: people.com