Kim Kardashian has once again made headlines for her bold fashion choices. This time, it’s not just about the outfits but rather the extraordinary piece of jewelry she wore: the Attallah Cross pendant, formerly belonging to the beloved Princess Diana. Wearing it to the LACMA Art+Film Gala held on November 2, 2024, Kardashian created quite the stir, drawing both admiration and criticism.
The cross, showcasing stunning square-cut amethysts, was bid on by Kardashian at auction for a hefty $197,453. It was crafted back in the 1920s and is well-known for its connection to the late Princess of Wales, who wore it during various public appearances, including at the Birthright charity gala back in 1987. Sporting it alongside her custom-made white Gucci gown, Kardashian reminded many of the captivating legacy of Diana, albeit not without controversy.
Diana's original look was characterized by elegance, perfectly complementing the royal purple gown she wore with the cross hanging from long pearls. This iconic accessory has long been associated with grace and sophistication, making its pairing with Kardashian's daring and much more exposed outfit quite polarizing.
Upon seeing Kardashian don the extravagant piece, reactions on social media were swift, and many were less than pleased. Critics took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram, expressing their disbelief at how such a poignant piece of royal history could be used to accessorize what they deemed as “vulgar” attire. Comments like, "Perfect example of class vs. trash," and, "Wearing a cross but exposing your breasts? An odd choice," flooded the internet following the gala.
One user commented about how Kardashian had turned something sacred and classy “into something vulgar,” reflecting the sentiments shared by many royalist supporters who felt the historical significance of the pendant was being overshadowed by Kardashian’s brash stylistic choices. Another social media commentator insightfully noted, “If you’re going to wear such a sacred religious symbol, at least wear it with some class like Diana did.”
What seems to fuel the fire is not merely the choice of outfit but rather the stark juxtaposition of Kardashian's style against the somber and graceful representation of Princess Diana. The late royal's jewelry symbolizes confidence and elegant choices, something many believe Kardashian has overlooked entirely. Social media has become the tether of public opinion, reverberated by Kardashian's past daring fashion statements, especially after her eye-catching appearance wearing Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress back at the 2022 Met Gala, which sparked its own controversy.
For her part, Kardashian paired the cross with additional jewelry to fit the evening’s glamorous theme, including pearls from Tallarico and diamonds from Bvlgari. The ensemble, as luxurious as it may be, starkly contrasts with what many see as the reverent styling of Princess Diana, who was more modest and sophisticated. Commenters shared their sentiments across various posts, expressing how Kardashian's interpretation seemed disconnected from the symbolism behind the cross, originally worn by someone who was not just recognized for her fashion but also for her dignity and compassion.
The sentiment among the critics of Kardashian's fashion choice continues to echo loudly, as they argue the importance of maintaining respect for symbols tied to significant historical figures. This controversy taps not only on celebrity culture but also on the cultural reverence many hold for icons like Princess Diana.
Kardashian's purchase has not gone unnoticed, as public fascination with the Attallah Cross and its historical significance has been reignited. The cross was originally lent by Naim Attallah, who had developed a close friendship with Princess Diana, allowing her to wear it on various occasions. This connection only deepens the sense of concern expressed by fans of both the royal family and fashion history, many of whom feel precarious about Kardashian's intentions as she showcases such iconic pieces.
Yet amid the backlash, there remains a fusion of fascination surrounding Kardashian’s ability to evoke conversation through her fashion choices. While some see her as simply capitalizing on the trend of merging historical jewelry with contemporary fashion, others have come to appreciate the dialogue it creates about legacy, style, and the meaning we assign to the items we choose to wear.
The LACMA Art+Film Gala featured several notable attendees, including Blake Lively and Viola Davis, who were equally dazzling, albeit without the firestorm of controversy surrounding Kardashian's look. While other celebrities typically engage with historical pieces, their ways of styling appear more aligned with the legacies those items carry. The narrative transcends beyond just Kardashian’s choice, shining light on how fashion can be both powerful and provocative.
Overall, it seems there's been no holding back over this incident. Kardashian's audacious approach to pairing the Attallah Cross with her daring gown has not only opened the floodgates for debate but will likely leave its impressions for the fashion world to ponder long after the gala lights have dimmed. The intersection of celebrity culture and royal history continues to captivate audiences, demonstrating just how much impact one outfit can have.
