Kim Kardashian in Princess Diana’s Cross Pendant recently mesmerized the public by donning Princess Diana’s iconic jewelry at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday[1], 2024 it was a breathtaking demonstration of luxury and nostalgia. Reality TV celebrities and businessmen have become the new muse for this ancient piece of jewelry, which is prized for its regal origin and magnificent design. In addition to receiving extensive media attention, Kim’s decision to wear this iconic pendant has rekindled interest in the late princess’s enduring fashion legacy as the world closely monitors her every step.
Princess Diana famously wore the pendant, which was set with round-cut diamonds and square-cut amethysts during a charity event in 1987. In 2023, Kardashian purchased the pendant US$200,000 of the late Princess of Wales. On Saturday, Kardashian created an attention-grabbing ensemble by wearing the vintage piece with a plunging ivory gown[2].She also wore an ivory choker along with the famous cross pendant, which Diana used to wear.
What do you think of her choice to wear such a historic piece? Let me know in the comment section below.
Do you know the story behind Princess Diana’s pendant?
The Cross Pendent
The Attallah Cross, the famous cross pendant worn by Princess Diana, is a beautiful piece of jewelry with an interesting backstory. The famous jewelry brand Garrard produced this striking and vibrant pendant in the 1920s the same jeweler that designed Princess Diana’s famed sapphire engagement ring. The piece has circular-cut diamonds and square-cut amethysts set in a cross pattern set in gold and silver, with the diamonds totaling 5.25 carats[3].Princess Diana frequently borrowed this cross from Garrard, including for this charity gala. The cross was obtained by Princess Diana’s friend, British writer and businessman Naim Attallah, upon her passing.
Diana famously wore the Attallah Cross on a number of times, most famously when she wore it with a dress by Catherine Walker at a charity event in 1987. The pendant came to represent her distinct sense of style and her ability to blend classic elegance with contemporary flair.
The pendant was returned to the jeweler Garrard following Diana’s untimely death in 1997. Many people have praised it for its beauty and historical value, and it has been included in numerous exhibitions throughout the years. Diana’s heritage and classic elegance are still linked to the piece today.
Kim Kardashian in Princess Diana’s Cross Pendant: A Modern and Classic Blend of Fashion
Kim Kardashian in Princess Diana’s Cross Pendant, is known for her impactful style and contemporary glitz and is skilled at making daring fashion statements. This also applies to her choice to wear Princess Diana’s pendant. Kim, who is renowned for her ability to combine traditional pieces with modern trends, has once again shown her appreciation for historical significance and her sense of style.
Beyond this pendant, Kardashian has influenced fashion. Marilyn Monroe’s dress from the 2022 Met Gala and Janet Jackson’s ensemble from the “If” music video are just two examples of the historical items she has a history of rescuing and reinterpreting. Her reputation as a fashion icon is a result of her ability to combine classic styles with modern ones, which highlights her distinct sense of style.
Kim’s Connection to Royalty
Kim Kardashian’s connection to royalty is quite fascinating, both through her fashion choices and her ancestry.
Fashion and Royalty
Despite not being a member of the royal family by birth, Kim Kardashian has just as much impact on pop culture and design as any other royal. Many people interpret her decision to wear the pendant as a nod to Princess Diana, recognizing the late princess’s enduring influence on philanthropy and design. Kim unites the classic elegance of monarchy with the modern celebrity culture by donning this renowned garment.
Ancestral Ties
Beyond her career in design, Kim has an unexpected family history of royalty. According to reports, she is related to Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Scotland, and is derived from Rob Roy MacGregor, a Scottish Highland hero. Kim and her siblings are distant relatives of British royalty because of their mother, Kris Jenner.
Did Kim Kardashian’s choice to wear it spark any controversy?
Indeed, there was some controversy around Kim Kardashian’s choice to wear Princess Diana’s Attallah Cross jewelry. Many royal supporters and admirers thought her decision was “tone-deaf” and disrespectful. Critics felt that it was improper and disrespectful to Princess Diana’s original elegance to wear the historic item with a skimpy gown. She was even called “vulgar” and “sleazy” by some[4].
Some, on the other hand, backed Kardashian, pointing out that she now owns the jewelry and is free to wear it whatever she pleases[5]. Many have praised her for honoring Princess Diana’s memory through fashion. Some have even drawn parallels between the two women, noting their shared ability to influence and inspire millions.
The Pendant’s Journey from Royalty to Reality TV
As intriguing as the pendant itself is the tale of how Princess Diana’s item found its way into Kim Kardashian’s jewelry collection. Prince William and Prince Harry, Diana’s kids, received many of her personal belongings following her untimely death. Some of these things have been put up for auction over the years, and the money raised usually goes to the philanthropic causes Diana championed when she was alive.
Acquisition and Auction
The necklace bears the name of Naim Attallah, a businessman who purchased it in the 1980s.According to reports, Kim Kardashian, who is well-known for her exquisite jewelry collection, won the pendant at a high-profile auction by Sotheby’s in 2023. The pendant’s enormous worth and historical significance were reflected in the intense bidding that took place at the auction, which was attended by a select group of collectors and aficionados. Kim’s winning bid demonstrated her appreciation for objects with significant cultural and historical significance in addition to adding a stunning piece to her collection.
Replica and Inspired Designs
Today, jewelry companies are imitating the pendant’s look with inspired designs and reproductions. Everybody wants to give their clients a taste of this royal glitz, from luxury jewelers to more reasonably priced fashion labels. The timeless pendant style is being transformed into rings, earrings, and other accessories, and sapphire and diamond pairings are becoming in popularity.
Continuing Influence
Diana and Kim have both demonstrated that fashion is about expressing one’s identity and making a statement, not only about clothes and accessories. Kim uses fashion to highlight her strong and powerful personality, whereas Diana uses it to spread messages of empathy and strength. Their mutual capacity to enthrall the globe with their fashion choices highlights the significant influence that fashion has on society.
