Kim Kardashian knows how to capture attention with her unique style, but at this year’s LACMA Art + Film Gala, it was not just her outfit that drew admiration. Kim brought a piece of royal history back to life by wearing Princess Diana’s iconic amethyst cross pendant. Originally created nearly a century ago, this beautiful and rare piece was worn by Princess Diana at a 1987 charity event, making Kim the first to publicly wear it since then. Here’s a closer look at this symbolic necklace and how Kim made it her own.
A Historic Pendant Reappears After 37 Years
The pendant, famously known as the “Attallah Cross,” was designed by royal jeweler Garrard in the 1920s. This cross-shaped necklace, with its 11 amethysts framed by diamonds, holds immense value and significance. British businessman Naeem Attallah, who was a close friend of Princess Diana, purchased the piece and later lent it to her for a special charity event in 1987. At that time, Diana paired the striking purple pendant with a regal, ruffled-neck velvet gown by designer Catherine Walker.
Since that evening, the necklace hadn’t appeared in public—until Kim Kardashian bought it at a Sotheby’s auction in 2023. She paid approximately $197,453 (around ₹1.66 crore) to acquire the pendant, bringing it back to the world’s attention for the first time since Diana’s iconic appearance.
Kim Kardashian’s Stunning Look at the LACMA Gala
At the LACMA Gala, Kim wore a sophisticated white Gucci gown with a plunging neckline, perfectly setting off the cross pendant. The gown’s body-hugging silhouette, with a back slit and flowing train, was chic yet minimal, allowing the necklace to stand out as the centerpiece. Kim complemented the look with a matching shawl-style shrug, draping it elegantly to frame the cross necklace. This understated outfit choice ensured all eyes were on the rare pendant, which sparkled against the clean white backdrop of her gown.
Adding a Unique Twist: Kim’s Layered Necklace Style
One of the most noticeable updates Kim brought to the look was how she styled the Attallah Cross pendant. Unlike Princess Diana, who wore the pendant as a standalone piece, Kim layered it with pearls, adding a modern twist. She wore a choker followed by two other layers, each gradually increasing in size, with the cross as the centerpiece. This layering not only gave the pendant a fresh, contemporary look but also drew attention to its rich purple tones and intricate details, blending classic elegance with Kim’s signature glam.
The Legacy of the Attallah Cross
The Attallah Cross has always been more than just jewelry. Princess Diana wore it to support a charity that protected human rights related to pregnancy and childbirth. Her choice to wear the cross symbolized her empathy and advocacy, especially as it was rare for her to be seen in bold, statement jewelry like this. For many, Diana’s association with the cross pendant symbolizes strength, compassion, and a unique sense of style that has kept her memory alive for decades.
With Kim now donning this piece, it bridges two eras of fashion icons—Diana’s timeless elegance and Kim’s trendsetting style. The fact that Kim chose to wear it in a way that honors yet reinvents its legacy has sparked conversations and highlighted the jewelry’s enduring allure.
Why Kim’s Choice of the Cross Pendant Matters
Kim’s decision to wear this piece is about more than just fashion. Much like Princess Diana, Kim is known for her advocacy work, particularly around prison reform and social justice. Wearing the cross pendant, with its history tied to charity and human rights, may reflect Kim’s own values and interest in causes close to her heart.
The Attallah Cross pendant shines as brightly today as it did in the past. Its age has not diminished its beauty, and Kim’s choice to wear it has revived interest in vintage jewelry pieces with historical significance. This pendant serves as a reminder that fashion and history often intersect in powerful ways, bringing the stories of the past into modern consciousness.
The Appeal of Vintage Jewelry in Modern Style
Kim’s decision to showcase Princess Diana’s pendant taps into a broader trend of reviving vintage jewelry. Today’s fashion world is seeing a resurgence in historical and vintage-inspired pieces, with younger audiences appreciating the stories and craftsmanship behind them. By wearing a piece like the Attallah Cross, Kim isn’t just setting a trend; she’s also celebrating the enduring appeal of timeless jewelry.
In a world of fast fashion, pieces like the Attallah Cross represent something lasting and meaningful, reflecting a connection between generations. Kim Kardashian’s look at the LACMA Gala was more than a style statement—it was a tribute to the legacy of one of the most beloved figures of our time, Princess Diana, and a nod to the enduring charm of history’s most beautiful creations.
