Kim Kardashian has once again stirred up the fashion world—and sparked a heated debate among fans—by wearing a piece of history: Princess Diana’s famed cross necklace. Known as the Naim Attallah Cross, this striking amethyst and diamond piece once adorned the late Princess of Wales. Now, after purchasing it at auction for nearly $200,000 in 2023, Kim donned it publicly for the first time at the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala. But fans are torn—was this a tasteful tribute, or a controversial choice?
A Glamorous Display of Iconic Jewelry
At the LACMA Gala, Kardashian paired the large cross necklace with her signature bold style. She wore a white gown with a daring neckline, adding a modern twist to the necklace that Diana wore in 1987 at the Birthright charity gala. While the late princess styled the piece with a high-neck burgundy and black Catherine Walker dress, Kim opted for a look that highlighted her own fashion-forward and glamorous persona.
The cross, crafted by Garrard with gold, silver, amethyst, and diamonds, symbolized elegance and a unique mix of faith and fashion. However, Kardashian’s styling of the piece—alongside other jewels and a revealing gown—left fans divided on whether this choice was respectful to Diana’s memory.
Outrage and Backlash: Fans’ Mixed Reactions
Following her appearance, social media quickly lit up with a mix of criticism and support. Many fans took offense, arguing that Kim’s choice of outfit disrespected the religious and historical significance of the piece.
One outraged fan commented, “This is so disrespectful to [Princess] Diana and the church. She can’t leave a religious relic alone without sexualizing herself with it.” Another echoed this sentiment, adding, “At least show respect to the cross with what you wear.” These fans felt that Kim’s look clashed with the necklace’s historical importance, suggesting it was an inappropriate match for such a meaningful piece.
Some critics even went so far as to question Kardashian’s intent, pointing out her history of wearing pieces from iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe. “Why is she so obsessed with wearing dead or iconic celebrities’ stuff?” one user asked, referencing her previous controversies.
Supporters Rally Behind Kim’s Fashion Choice
On the other side of the debate, several fans defended Kim’s right to wear the necklace however she pleased. “With all due respect, she bought it and can therefore do whatever she wants with it,” one supporter tweeted, emphasizing that ownership gives her the freedom to choose how to style the piece. Another fan praised Kim’s bold look, saying, “She really looks good in this.”
Supporters also noted that Kim’s platform brings attention to iconic jewelry and can add new layers of meaning to these pieces, even if it does spark controversy. By showcasing historical relics, they argue, Kardashian helps maintain the cultural relevance of these pieces.
An Ongoing Trend: Kim’s Obsession with Iconic Fashion
This isn’t the first time Kim Kardashian has made headlines by wearing historic or iconic fashion pieces. Known for her love of glamorous style, Kim has acquired and worn items once belonging to celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley. Most famously, she caused a stir at the 2022 Met Gala by wearing Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress. While some applaud her bold choices, others feel that these relics deserve to remain untouched, honored as part of cultural history rather than personal fashion statements.
Fashion Experts and the Role of Iconic Jewelry
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Despite the backlash, some in the fashion world view Kardashian’s choice as an exciting way to revive historical pieces. Kristian Spofforth, head of jewelry at Sotheby’s in London, expressed his enthusiasm after Kardashian purchased the cross, describing it as “a bold piece of jewelry by its size, color, and style which cannot fail to make a vibrant statement, whether it be of faith or fashion—or indeed both.” Spofforth’s words hint at the idea that iconic jewelry can bridge the gap between past and present, carrying forward the legacy of its previous owners while finding new life on contemporary icons.
For Spofforth, Kim’s acquisition of the necklace wasn’t simply a purchase but a way to give this symbolic piece a renewed purpose. And in a world where celebrity influence dominates fashion, her wearing of the cross may invite a new generation to appreciate the beauty and history behind such jewelry.
Is Kim’s Choice to Wear Iconic Jewelry Honoring or Appropriating History?
For some fans, the bigger question isn’t about fashion alone—it’s about legacy. Wearing pieces linked to beloved figures like Princess Diana or Marilyn Monroe invites scrutiny because of the strong emotional attachment people feel to these icons. To many, Kim’s decision to wear Princess Diana’s necklace seemed at odds with the elegance and restraint associated with the late princess. While Kim’s style choices lean toward modern glamour, Diana’s public image remains a symbol of quiet dignity and classic elegance.
Kim Kardashian wearing Princess Diana’s necklace she purchased in 2023 pic.twitter.com/fCbQ3id74d
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) November 4, 2024
For some, Kardashian’s fascination with historic pieces seems to be more about attracting attention than honoring these icons. But for others, she’s bringing a touch of history into today’s fashion world, and that act itself keeps these icons relevant and their stories alive.
Conclusion: A Divided Audience, A Bold Fashion Move
Kim Kardashian’s decision to wear Princess Diana’s cross necklace sparked an intense debate, reflecting the deep-rooted connection fans have to iconic figures and their belongings. While some view her choice as an insult to Diana’s legacy, others see it as a refreshing way to breathe life into a historic piece. Love it or hate it, Kim’s bold fashion choices keep her in the spotlight and ensure that these iconic items continue to make a statement.
In the end, Kardashian’s style may not resonate with everyone, but it undeniably keeps conversations going about fashion, history, and legacy. And in the world of celebrity influence, perhaps that’s the most potent statement of all.
