Royal fans have expressed their dismay after Kim Kardashian wore the late Princess Diana’s iconic Attallah Cross necklace to a Los Angeles gala, with many feeling it has lost its classic charm. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star donned the amethyst cross at the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala on November 2, pairing it with a revealing white gown that showcased her cleavage.
In contrast to Princess Diana’s understated elegance, Kim’s bold look has been criticised for turning the necklace into a “flashy, vulgar accessory”. One fan commented on social media platform X: “While Diana wore it with grace and dignity, symbolizing royalty, #Kim has turned it into a flashy, vulgar accessory, losing its timeless elegance. A true icon knows how to preserve the legacy.”
The reality star and style icon, Kim Kardashian, caused quite a stir when she stepped out sporting the Attallah Cross, a piece she acquired from a Sotheby’s auction for nearly $200,000 (£168,000) earlier in 2023, reports the Express.
READ MORE: Prince Harry’s heartbreaking moment he was left ‘lying on floor in foetal position’
Wearing it for the first time over the weekend, she instantly drew the public eye. Amidst fervent social media discussion, one user lamented how the cross had been “cheapened”, comparing Kim’s getup to Princess Diana’s elegance: “Princess Diana was such a class act. It’s a shame such a beautiful and significant piece of jewelry was cheapened like this.”
Another expressed concern that this wasn’t in line with Diana’s legacy: “There is no way this is what Diana would have wanted.”
More critical voices saw the outfit as disrespectful, claiming: “For most, it’s not necessarily because it’s a cross. It’s because it was Princess Diana’s, who people loved for her and her class, and turning that image into trashy would have bothered her – and obviously anyone who was a fan of Princess Diana.”
Conversely, Kardashian has her share of admirers who defended the bold fashion statement. Loyal fans showered her with praise; one enthused: “Kim wears it better.”
Others chimed in with plaudits like: “Gorgeous looking,” and “She [Kim] looks amazing.”
This isn’t Kardashian’s first encounter with public opinion over high-profile fashion choices. The mother of four previously faced online backlash after donning Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress to the Met Gala in 2022.
Diana, the beloved late Princess Of Wales, was famously seen adorning the pendant on a string of pearls during the 1987 Birthright charity gala, paired with an exquisite deep purple velvet Catherine Walker gown.
The Attallah Cross, originally crafted by Garrand in the 1920s, is adorned with square-cut amethysts encircled by 5.25 carats of circular-cut diamonds. The late Princess of Wales was often seen wearing it at various events, including film and theatre premieres.
The stunning necklace, featuring 900 pearls, was recently auctioned off at Sotheby’s “Royal and Noble” event. It was described as a “Fleurée cross set with square-cut amethyst and accented by circular-cut diamonds.”
dating back to the early 20th century – the 1920s.