When it comes to controversial fashion choices, Kim Kardashian might just be the reigning queen—but her latest look featuring Princess Diana‘s famous cross necklace has some royal followers clutching their pearls.
The reality star and business mogul turned heads at the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala when she stepped out wearing Princess Diana’s iconic Attallah Cross necklace—but it wasn’t just the historical jewelry that got people talking. The 44-year-old entrepreneur styled the precious pendant, which she purchased at a Sotheby’s auction in 2023 for nearly $200,000, with a white Gucci gown featuring a dramatically plunging neckline. The combination quickly sparked debate on social media, with royal enthusiasts and fashion critics weighing in on the risqué pairing.
The piece itself has quite the story: Originally created by Garrard in the 1920s, the cross features stunning square-cut amethysts surrounded by 5.25 carats of circular-cut diamonds. Princess Diana famously wore the pendant at the 1987 Birthright charity gala, pairing it elegantly with a purple velvet Catherine Walker gown.
Kardashian’s modern interpretation of the historic piece included layering it with pearl necklaces and completing the look with an ivory cape-style coat. Her beauty choices nodded to vintage glamour, with her dark hair styled in a flippy bob and makeup featuring a purple eyeshadow that cleverly matched the amethyst stones.
However, social media users were quick to express their thoughts on the styling choice. “She had the audacity to put it on with this dress. Purely tone deaf, uneducated narcissistic unattractive brain,” one critic wrote on social media, per OK Magazine! Another added, “If you’re going to wear such a sacred religious symbol at least wear it with some class as Diana did. Show some respect…”
This isn’t the first time Kardashian has made headlines for wearing historical fashion pieces. Who could forget the controversy surrounding her wearing Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress at the 2022 Met Gala? The SKIMS founder seems to have developed quite a knack for acquiring and wearing pieces that were previously considered untouchable—from Mugler archives to Janet Jackson’s iconic ensembles.
The LACMA Art + Film Gala, sponsored by Gucci, brings together notable figures from art, film, fashion, and entertainment to support the museum’s programming and initiatives. While the event honored filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and sculptor Simone Leigh, it was Kardashian’s bold fashion choice that dominated the conversation—proving once again that when it comes to making headlines, she knows exactly what she’s doing.
