Kim Kardashian brought a reminder of the People’s Princess to the LACMA Art + Film Gala’s red carpet on Saturday. She attended the event wearing the Attallah cross, an amethyst and diamond necklace famously (but much more modestly) worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1987.
Kardashian had purchased the necklace for nearly $200,000 at Sotheby’s 2023 Royal & Noble sale. Made by Garrard in the 1920s, the piece was owned by Diana’s close friend Naim Attallah, who lent it exclusively to her. Diana wore it to an October 1987 ball supporting Birthright, an organization dedicated to protecting human rights during pregnancy and childbirth—one of the only occasions, possibly the only time, that the princess publicly wore a cross.
For last weekend’s gala at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), Kardashian wore the cross with a custom Galliano gown, styling it against a very plunging and wide-open neckline and layers of pearls. The appearance continued Kardashian’s habit of resurrecting fashion artifacts associated with iconic figures, similar to her 2022 Met Gala appearance in Marilyn Monroe’s gown.
Just like with the Monroe dress, Kardashian has been criticized for her treatment of a historic (and in this case religious) item. Online commenters attacked her in particular for a lack of modesty, especially in comparison with Princess Diana’s reverent styling.
The LACMA event marked the first time Kardashian wore the necklace publicly. At the time she bought it, the head of jewelry for Sotheby’s London, Kristian Spofforth, said in a statement: “We are delighted that this piece has found a new lease of life within the hands of another globally famous name.”
At top: Kim Kardashian at the LACMA gala on Nov. 2 (photo: CraSH/imageSPACE/Sipa USA via AP Images)
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