Kim Kardashian recently made a glamorous appearance at the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles, showcasing a significant piece of jewelry from the late Princess Diana’s collection. The reality star turned heads by pairing her sleek white Gucci gown with the renowned Attallah cross pendant, an accessory that Princess Diana once famously wore. According to CNN, the pendant, encrusted with amethysts and diamonds, originated in the 1920s, crafted by the esteemed British jeweler Garrard. Decades later, in the 1980s, businessman and writer Naim Attallah acquired it. As a close friend of Diana’s, Attallah often lent her the pendant, including one notable occasion in 1987 when she donned it at a charity event.
For her look, Kardashian styled the cross pendant differently than Princess Diana had. While the princess had worn the cross with a long, velvet purple dress by designer Catherine Walker, Kardashian opted for a modern take. She paired the 5.25-carat necklace with a series of pearl chokers and a draped ivory shawl cape, creating a distinct yet elegant contrast. Kardashian secured this iconic piece at a Sotheby’s auction in London last year. It was sold during the Royal and Noble collection sale, and the pendant ultimately fetched an impressive £163,800 (approximately $200,000), more than double its estimated value.
Kristian Spofforth, head of jewelry at Sotheby’s London, highlighted the pendant’s unique qualities in a press statement, noting its eye-catching size, vivid color, and bold style. “This is a bold piece of jewelry by its size, color, and style which cannot fail to make a vibrant statement, whether it be of faith or fashion – or indeed both,” Spofforth said, adding that Sotheby’s was thrilled to see the piece continue its legacy in the hands of another globally recognized figure.
Kardashian’s recent fashion choices aren’t the first time she’s turned to iconic pieces from fashion history. In 2022, she notably wore Marilyn Monroe’s famous gown to the Met Gala, which led to a mix of admiration and criticism. The dress, designed by Jean Louis, is an emblematic piece from Monroe’s life, immortalized when she wore it to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. Museum curators and conservators expressed concern over Kardashian’s decision to wear such a delicate historical artifact, but the event nevertheless showcased Kardashian’s penchant for iconic and rare items.
The reality star has also been seen sporting other pieces from cultural icons. During a Janet Jackson concert in Thousand Palms last summer, Kardashian wore an outfit Jackson wore in the 1993 “If” music video. The two-piece ensemble cost Kardashian $25,000, adding another celebrated look to her collection of famous fashion relics.
More recently, Kardashian has expanded her collection with high-end watches. She was spotted wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini Frosted last week, continuing her trend of adding luxury pieces to her wardrobe. The Royal Oak, with its distinct frosted finish, is a testament to her love for quality timepieces and her evolving fashion style that marries high fashion with historical references.
Through these pieces, Kardashian is building a legacy of honoring iconic fashion and jewelry. Her choices spotlight her influence within the fashion world and her commitment to preserving and reinterpreting cultural artifacts.
