Kim Kardashian stole the spotlight at the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles on November 2, as she made her red carpet debut with the iconic Attallah Cross necklace once worn by Princess Diana. And true to Kardashian form, she paired the historic accessory with a cut for the modern-day fashionista-plunging white Gucci gown, an oversized cream coat, and a sleek bob hairstyle. Her soft makeup and glossy nude lip accentuated the amethyst-and-diamond necklace, lending polished elegance to the overall look.
The real showstopper necklace is the Attallah Cross, which Kim Kardashian bought at a Sotheby’s auction in 2023 for $197,453. Originally designed in the 1920s by British jeweler Garrard, it features square-cut amethysts framed by circular diamonds totaling 5.25 carats. It belonged to Naim Attallah, who famously lent it to Princess Diana in the 1980s, hence its place in royal fashion history. Diana could be spruced up wearing it at just about every high-profile occasion, where it soon became described as one of her symbols of style with understated elegance.
The public was divided over Kardashian’s appearance, and debate spilled everywhere, from social media to beyond. Some cheered on Kardashian’s bold fashion move, calling the moment she updated a piece of royal history into the present era. Fans sat in her comments, hailing her look as “iconic” and praising her for breathing life into something from history.
But others found it provocative, and pairing such a venerated item with a plunging gown only inflamed the outrage. The critics felt the outfit did not evoke the dignity associated with Princess Diana’s memory, was too revealing for some tastes, and ran contrary to the late princess’s subtle style.
For many, Kardashian’s styling choice raised questions about the intersection of celebrity culture and historical artifacts. The Attallah Cross has long been associated with Diana’s fashion legacy, notably after she wore it at the 1987 Birthright charity gala. At the time, this necklace was considered quite bold, a signal that Princess Diana was gaining confidence and willing to break with tradition in choices related to royal fashion. Wearing the piece, Kardashian drew attention back to Diana’s memory and sparked debate about using historic pieces in modern fashion.
Kardashian’s decision to don the Attallah Cross necklace drove the discussion on what it says about how celebrities today are shaping the public’s impression of historical objects. With social media at her fingertips and millions of followers, Kardashian has immediate influence in making trends and bringing historical relics to the fore.
