Kim Kardashian has recently found herself at the center of controversy following her memorable appearance at the LACMA Art + Film Gala. Dressed to the nines, Kardashian turned heads not just for her glamorous outfit, but also for the stunning historical accessory adorning her neck: Princess Diana's rare amethyst cross necklace.
The LACMA Art + Film Gala, held on November 2, 2024, attracted Hollywood's elite, all dressed to impress at the iconic Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Kim Kardashian, sporting a custom white Gucci gown, showcased a daring look characterized by its plunging neckline and form-fitting silhouette. Her ensemble included numerous layers, highlighted with luxurious embellishments, aligning perfectly with the event's theme of sophistication.
Adding to the elegance of her look was the conversation-starting necklace — originally owned by the late Princess Diana. Kardashian purchased the fetching piece from Sotheby’s earlier this year for nearly $200,000, nearly double what experts had estimated it would sell for at auction. The necklace had previously graced Diana's neck during a charity event back in 1987, where she paired it with a classic Victorian-inspired gown, making it highly coveted by collectors and fans alike.
At the gala, Kim Kardashian took her own approach to styling the vintage piece. She opted to wear it on a shortened chain, ensuring it perched right against her bare chest, which some critics considered overly daring for such a historically significant item. On social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), reactions range from outrage to praise, sparking intense discussions around the appropriateness of her choice to wear the necklace with such provocative attire.
While some applauded Kardashian's bold fashion statement, others expressed concern over the perceived disrespect toward the necklace's legacy. One user commented, "I know her point was to highlight the necklace, but I wish she would have worn it with a dress [with] less cleavage." Another critic echoed these sentiments, calling for more respect for such an iconic piece, arguing it deserves to be treated with reverence rather than just being another fashion accessory.
Kardashian's fashion choices often make headlines, reflecting her fascination with heritage items and vintage celebrity pieces. For example, her past entanglement with iconic garments includes wearing Marilyn Monroe’s legendary 1962 dress during the 2022 Met Gala, which drew its share of controversy as well. Critics have pointed out time and again how these fashion statements may overshadow the stories these pieces carry, making them simply tools for celebrity aesthetics. "I think she uses these archival pieces as a way to legitimize herself to herself, considering how she entered the public sphere," noted one observer on social media. Another user expressed frustration, remarking, "It seems like Kim Kardashian thinks it makes sense to superficially leverage their stories and mystique for her benefit."
Nonetheless, Kardashian's defenders argue there’s no harm, no foul—after all, she purchased the necklace and has every right to style it as she pleases. Supporters rallied online, asserting things like, "She bought it; she can rock it how she wants." This sentiment indicates the divisive nature of celebrity culture today, where fashion choices can ignite passionate debates over respect, heritage, and personal style.
Women and men alike have looked up to Kardashian, sometimes imitating her style, and celebrities have often explored edgy fashions as mechanisms for self-expression. This moment highlights the complex interplay between personal expression and collective heritage. Kim Kardashian, for all her naysayers and supporters alike, navigates this fine line every time she steps out.
While the power of fashion is undeniable, it goes to show how items with rich histories can polarize opinions depending on who wears them and how they choose to present them. Looking forward, it will be interesting to see how this latest episode influences not just Kardashian's future choices but also the broader dialogues around fashion and cultural appropriation. For now, Kim Kardashian is as talked about as ever—reminding us all of fashion's power to spark controversy and conversation.
