Kim Kardashian’s recent appearance at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s (LACMA) Art+Film Gala made headlines for more than just her fashion choice. The reality star and entrepreneur debuted a diamond-studded cross necklace, famously once worn by Princess Diana.
This piece, rich in historical and cultural significance, marked yet another addition to Kardashian’s growing collection of museum-worthy jewelry and artifacts. Known for her ability to merge vintage elegance with modern-day glamor, Kardashian’s choice to wear Princess Diana’s cross necklace has sparked widespread discussion, reflecting not only her influence in fashion but also her role in bridging historical and contemporary styles.
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A History of Iconic Fashion Moments
Kim Kardashian is no stranger to wearing pieces with a backstory. Over the years, she has become one of the few public figures with access to items that previously belonged to some of the most celebrated personalities in modern history. Her fashion archive includes items from icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Janet Jackson, and Jackie Kennedy. Kardashian’s pieces are often not just luxury items but are deeply intertwined with pop culture and history. For instance, her acquisition of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress for the 2022 Met Gala stirred significant attention worldwide. However, the decision to wear such pieces has not been without controversy, as some critics question whether these rare artifacts should be preserved rather than worn.
In 2022, Kardashian even acquired Michael Jackson’s white fedora from the 1988 music video “Smooth Criminal” to complete her daughter North’s Halloween costume, underscoring her commitment to merging family life with legendary pieces. Her growing collection represents not just a series of fashion statements but a curated timeline of iconic pop culture moments, as she transforms historical pieces into modern-day spectacles.
The Princess Diana Cross Necklace: A Royal Relic
The cross necklace Kardashian wore to the LACMA event has an illustrious history. Made by British court jewelers Garrard in the early 20th century, the necklace features approximately 5.25 carats of diamonds arranged in a cross shape, measuring 5.4 inches by 3.7 inches. With a design and craftsmanship that reflects the elegance of its era, the necklace is known not only for its beauty but also for its ties to Princess Diana, who famously wore it during a charity event in 1987. At the time, Diana paired it with a maroon velvet gown by designer Catherine Walker, creating an unforgettable and regal ensemble.
The necklace’s past is intricately linked to its original owner, Palestinian-British businessman Naim Attallah, who lent the piece to Princess Diana on several occasions. Diana’s choice to wear the necklace to an event supporting Birthright, an organization dedicated to protecting human rights during pregnancy and childbirth, added further meaning to the piece. Her association with the cross transformed it into a symbol not just of faith but of compassion and advocacy.
Kardashian acquired the cross necklace at a Sotheby’s auction in January 2023, winning the piece for £163,800 (approximately $212,000) in the auction’s final minutes. This purchase marked her as the next custodian of an artifact long associated with royalty, further establishing her position within the fashion world as an influencer with access to historically significant pieces.
Styling Choices and Public Reactions
For her appearance at the LACMA event, Kardashian put her own spin on the cross necklace. Instead of following Diana’s original styling, Kardashian chose to wear the piece with an all-white outfit. She shortened the original pearl chain and layered it with additional jewels, including a six-strand pearl choker. This combination introduced a pop of color to her otherwise monochrome look, showcasing the amethyst cross against the stark contrast of her white ensemble.
However, Kardashian’s styling choices have sparked mixed reactions online. Some observers questioned whether the low-cut neckline of her dress clashed with the cross’s religious symbolism. Others criticized her access to such historically significant pieces, pointing to the potential risks associated with wearing them. Critics argue that artifacts of this nature belong in museums or private collections where they are preserved, not in a setting where they could be damaged.
The response to Kardashian’s decision to wear the cross has sparked a wider conversation about celebrity access to rare historical items. One Instagram commenter wrote, “Why are we still giving this woman precious heirlooms like Diana’s necklace after she broke Marilyn’s dress?” The remark refers to Kardashian’s Met Gala appearance in Monroe’s dress, which some claimed had been damaged. Although Ripley’s Believe It or Not! issued a statement denying any harm to the dress, the incident underscored the risks associated with celebrities wearing fragile, irreplaceable artifacts.
The Debate Over Celebrity Access to Historic Artifacts
Kardashian’s acquisition and public display of Princess Diana’s cross necklace highlight a recurring debate surrounding celebrities and their access to historic relics. On one hand, the public fascination with these pieces is undeniable. When a public figure like Kardashian wears an item with historical significance, it draws attention, prompting renewed interest in the item’s original context and history. Many argue that this kind of exposure can inspire audiences to learn more about the piece and the figure originally associated with it.
On the other hand, there are concerns about preservation and respect for history. Jewelry and clothing worn by figures like Princess Diana or Marilyn Monroe have symbolic value that extends beyond their aesthetic appeal. By wearing these items, celebrities might inadvertently expose them to damage, diminishing their historical integrity. Critics argue that the preservation of such artifacts should be prioritized over their use in public appearances, even if those appearances create global interest.
In Kardashian’s case, her ability to access these artifacts has raised questions about whether such pieces should be available to collectors or if they belong in museums. The art and jewelry industries are now facing calls for stricter guidelines on the sale and distribution of culturally significant items. As interest grows in collectible items linked to celebrities, there may be increased regulation, with more museums and organizations seeking to secure these artifacts for future generations.
