Kim Kardashian knows how to turn heads, but her recent appearance at the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles has ignited a fiery debate. The reality TV mogul wore the iconic Attallah Cross, an antique amethyst necklace famously donned by the late Princess Diana in 1987.
Kim paired the striking pendant with a plunging white gown, an off-the-shoulder ivory coat, and a sleek bob hairstyle. Her glam featured winged eyeliner, brown eyeshadow, and a nude lip, giving her a bold and modern twist to the historical jewelry piece.
However, the outfit’s daring style and the pairing with Princess Diana’s beloved necklace didn’t sit well with many on social media, sparking a backlash for being “tone-deaf” and “vulgar.”
The Story Behind the Attallah Cross
The Attallah Cross was crafted by Garrard in the 1920s and is encrusted with square-cut amethysts surrounded by 5.25 carats of circular-cut diamonds. Named after its former owner, Naim Attallah, a Palestinian-British businessman, the pendant became iconic when Princess Diana wore it to the 1987 Birthright charity gala, paired with a regal purple velvet Catherine Walker gown.
Kim reportedly acquired the pendant at a 2023 Sotheby’s auction, paying just under $200,000. The LACMA Gala was the first public appearance of the necklace since Diana’s passing.
Kim Kardashian’s Controversial Choice
Social media erupted following Kim’s appearance. Critics argued that the reality TV star’s ensemble clashed with the necklace’s royal legacy.
“She turned it into something vulgar,” a user wrote on X.
“Wearing a cross while exposing your breasts is an odd choice,” another commented.
“She wants to be connected to the Royal Family so bad,” a post read, adding, “Perfect example of class vs. trash.”
Others accused Kim of using iconic symbols to craft her image:
“Kim is so desperate to be remembered like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Princess Diana, but she thinks money can buy her a legacy,” a user remarked.
A Star-Studded Night Overshadowed by Controversy
The 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala featured a lineup of Hollywood’s finest, including Blake Lively, Andrew Garfield, Laura Dern, and Dev Patel. Indian philanthropist Natasha Poonawalla also graced the event with her signature style.
Despite the glitz and glamour, Kim’s bold fashion statement dominated headlines, overshadowing the event’s celebration of art and film.
A Legacy Redefined or Misused?
While Kim’s choice brought renewed attention to Princess Diana’s iconic jewelry, the backlash raises questions about respecting historical legacies in fashion. Critics and fans remain divided: was it a bold homage or a tone-deaf misstep?
