New York City has a new set of style icons, and they look strikingly familiar. After a viral lookalike contest took over Washington Square Park on March , the winners have officially traded their $ cash prizes for a high-fashion spotlight.
Julian Devincentis, Joey Lindstrom, and Edward Preble—the three finalists who captured the city’s imagination—are now the faces of a brand-new Macy’s photoshoot. The campaign leans heavily into the s nostalgia currently sweeping social media, fueled by the massive success of the FX limited series “Love Story.”
The Moment That Went Viral
The original contest in Manhattan wasn’t just a gathering of fans; it was a full-blown cultural moment. While -year-old Flatiron resident Julian Devincentis took home the crown, the internet quickly demanded more of the trio.
Devincentis admitted that the comparison to the late American royalty is relatively new to him. “It’s truly an honor to be compared to someone like JFK Jr.,” he told the New York Post during the contest. “I’ve only gotten it once and it was three years ago on the West Side Highway. I was rollerblading and an older gentleman told me I resembled him.”
Channelling ‘Love Story’ Style
The new Macy’s shoot doesn’t just aim for a resemblance; it recreates the “signature off-duty polish” that made John F. Kennedy Jr. a permanent fixture on mood boards. With “Love Story” officially becoming FX’s most-watched limited series ever on Hulu and Disney+, the demand for JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-inspired fashion has hit an all-time high.
In the new photos, Devincentis swaps his rollerblades for a sleek HUGO by Hugo Boss modern-fit suit in a trending beige hue. He also channels the dapper gala looks Kennedy was famous for in a slim-fit Calvin Klein tuxedo jacket—a fitting tribute considering Bessette herself worked for Calvin Klein when the couple first met.
Professional Polish Meets Off-Duty Cool
The campaign also highlights the more casual side of the “Prince of Camelot.” Joey Lindstrom is featured wearing a Levi’s flat top hat, a nod to Kennedy’s love for backwards baseball caps and Kangol hats, paired unexpectedly with a silk Brooks Brothers tie.
Meanwhile, Edward Preble shows off a blue-gray Tommy Hilfiger sport coat, a brand Kennedy was frequently spotted in during his summers in Hyannis Port. Macy’s describes the collection as a way to bridge the gap between professional attire and the effortless style Kennedy possessed while dodging paparazzi on the streets of New York.
A Legend’s Lasting Legacy
The timing of the campaign couldn’t be more perfect, as the “Love Story” finale aired on March , leaving fans hungry for more content surrounding the iconic couple. Lead actors Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon have become instant stars, but these NYC lookalikes are proving that the public’s fascination with the real-life “Legend” isn’t going anywhere.
As Devincentis noted during his win, Kennedy remains a “legend in his own right.” Thanks to a viral park contest and a major retail partnership, that legend is getting a very modern, very stylish second act.
Fans looking to capture a bit of that Kennedy magic can shop the full “Love Story” inspired looks at Macys.com now.
