Kim Kardashian is, once again, making headlines for an outfit she wore to a gala, but, this time, it has nothing to do with the dress and everything to do with her accessories. Donning a remarkable piece of fashion (and royal) history, the socialite had around her neck the Attallah cross pendant, which was famously worn by Princess Diana.
This marks the first time it’s been worn since the former princess of Wales’ passing.
Diana wore the Attallah cross pendant numerous times
Diana wasn’t just a princess – she was a fashion icon. Known for her unique style, she took fashion risks that made her stand out from the rest of the British Royal Family. Whether she was dressed up in glamorous gowns or dressed down in casual jeans and sweaters, Diana always looked stylish and confident. Her “revenge dress,” a little black number she wore following her separation from Prince Charles, became absolutely legendary.
Diana showcased her impeccable style at many events, including the Birthright’s London charity gala, which took place in 1987. That night, she wore a beautiful Catherine Walker Victorian-style velvet gown in a rich royal purple. She perfectly accessorized the outfit with a large 1920s cross pendant by Garrard, which was purchased by businessman Naim Attallah in the 1980s. While Attallah loaned Diana the pendant multiple times for different occasions, it was at this event that it became iconically known.
Kim Kardashian purchased the Attallah cross pendant at auction
Following Diana’s death in 1997, the Attallah cross pendant was never worn in public again – until now.
American media personality, socialite and businesswoman Kim Kardashian purchased the famous pendant in 2023, after it went up for auction at Sotheby’s annual Royal & Noble event, and she recently wore it in public for the first time. The price Kardashian paid for the Attallah cross pendant is certainly reflective of its details.
Within the cross are 11 square-cut amethysts, which are accented by circular-cut diamonds sat in ornate settings to match the aesthetic of the cross. There are so many diamonds in the necklace that, together, they weigh in at 5.25 carats. As such, it’s no wonder or surprise that Kardashian paid $197,453 to make the pendant her own.
How did Kim Kardashian wear the famous piece?
Over a year after purchasing the Attallah cross pendant, Kim Kardashian finally pulled it out of her collection to showcase it in all its glory at the LACMA Art+Film Gala on November 2, 2024.
Wearing a plunging white Gucci dress with a cream cape, the simplicity of the gown enhanced the striking look of the pendant, and while Princess Diana wore it on a long pearl necklace, Kardashian chose to wear it on a shorter pearl necklace along, with another pearl necklace and a silver choker.
This isn’t the first time the socialite has surprised the world by wearing a piece of history. Most notably, she wore Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress to the 2022 Met Gala.
More from us: Met Gala 2022: Which Celebs Wore ‘Gilded Glamour’ Best?
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We’re curious to see what other pieces of historical clothing and jewelry Kim Kardashian will surprise us with next!