Fans divided after Kim Kardashian wears $200,000 cross necklace famously worn by Princess Diana

Kim Kardashian is no stranger to making fashion waves, but her recent choice at the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala has sparked heated debate. The reality  TV star and business mogul donned the legendary $200,000 amethyst cross  necklace once famously worn by Princess Diana. While some fans praised her bold look, others expressed outrage, calling her fashion choice “disrespectful.” Let’s dive into why this accessory choice has caused such a divide among fans.

The Iconic Cross Necklace: From Princess Diana to Kim Kardashian

The stunning amethyst cross necklace, known as the Naim Attallah Cross, holds deep historical and cultural significance. Princess Diana famously wore it in 1987 at the Birthright charity gala, pairing it with a high-necked Catherine Walker dress that exemplified her timeless elegance and style. At the time, Diana’s choice of a cross symbol held strong connotations, as she wore it to an event that highlighted human rights during pregnancy and childbirth, underlining her commitment to important causes.

Kardashian, who purchased the piece for nearly $200,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2023, wore it to the high-profile event with a very different aesthetic. She paired the cross with a long, white gown featuring a daring neckline and layered jewelry, including a six-strand pearl choker. The look was undeniably glamorous yet starkly different from how Diana wore it nearly four decades ago, leading many to question the choice.

Diana’s Timeless Legacy vs. Kim’s Modern Glam

Princess Diana’s choice to wear the cross necklace was more than a fashion statement; it symbolized her values, dedication to charitable causes, and her connection with the public. Her pairing of the cross with a reserved high-neck dress exuded sophistication and reverence for the piece. Kim Kardashian, however, took a modern approach, using the necklace as a centerpiece for a bold, high-fashion look.

While Kardashian’s ensemble turned heads, some fans felt it disrespected the legacy of Diana, arguing that the religious symbolism of the cross was lost in Kardashian’s glitzy styling. Critics on social media were quick to express their frustration, saying that Kim’s look sexualized a piece associated with Princess Diana’s humanitarian work.

Social Media Reacts: A Clash of Opinions

The online reaction was immediate and intense. Some fans praised Kim’s daring look, saying she owned the iconic piece with her unique style. “She really looks good in this,” commented one fan. Another remarked, “With all due respect, she bought it and can therefore do whatever she wants with it.”

But a significant portion of fans criticized her choice, calling it “disrespectful” and “blasphemous.” Some took issue with Kardashian’s pairing of the cross with a revealing gown, feeling it didn’t honor the late princess’s memory. “This is so disrespectful to [Princess] Diana and the church,” one user commented. Another wrote, “Diana would never have dressed like that! That’s not carrying on her legacy.”

Princess Diana wearing the cross in 1987. Credit: Tim Graham / Getty

These comments reflect the strong emotional attachment that many fans have to Princess Diana’s legacy and their discomfort with what they perceive as a disconnect between the necklace’s past meaning and Kardashian’s modern interpretation.

Kim Kardashian’s Growing Collection of Iconic Fashion Pieces

This isn’t the first time Kim Kardashian has worn pieces once owned by notable historical figures. She has outbid collectors on several occasions to own items previously belonging to cultural icons. From Elizabeth Taylor’s  jewelry to Marilyn Monroe’s famed “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown, Kardashian has amassed a collection of iconic fashion relics, each time causing waves in the media.

Some fans appreciate her unique access to these items and her efforts to keep their legacy alive in modern culture. However, others question her intentions, viewing these choices as an attempt to gain attention rather than a genuine homage to these figures. “Why is she so obsessed with wearing dead or iconic  celebrities’ stuff?” asked one fan, echoing the thoughts of many who find her fascination with such pieces unsettling.

A Question of Ownership and Modern Interpretation

While Kardashian legally owns the necklace, the question arises: Does owning a historic piece give her the right to reinterpret its significance? For many, fashion is an evolving art, and owning such a piece means giving it new life. Kristian Spofforth, head of jewelry at Sotheby’s in London, expressed support for Kardashian’s ownership, saying, “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.”

However, fans who revere Princess Diana feel Kardashian’s interpretation misses the essence of what the piece represented when worn by the late princess. To them, Kardashian’s usage doesn’t align with the values Diana stood for and feels more like a fashion statement than a tribute.

The Debate on Celebrities Accessing Historical Relics

Kardashian’s choice of historical relics for her red-carpet appearances raises questions about the accessibility of these items. Should such pieces, which once belonged to cultural icons, remain in museums or with collectors who understand their history and significance? Or does allowing modern celebrities to wear them bring renewed interest to these artifacts?

For Kardashian, wearing these pieces is a way to embrace her love of iconic fashion while paying homage to figures she admires. Yet, as seen with this recent backlash, it also opens her up to criticism from fans who feel a stronger sense of protection over these relics.

A Modern Fashion Icon Meets a Historic Symbol

The debate surrounding Kim Kardashian’s choice to wear Princess Diana’s cross necklace reflects a broader conversation about the intersection of modern celebrity culture and historical reverence. To some, Kardashian’s fashion-forward approach is a refreshing take that honors the jewelry’s continued relevance in pop culture. For others, it feels like an appropriation that doesn’t honor the piece’s past meaning.

Ultimately, Kardashian’s choice has reignited interest in Princess Diana’s life, her style, and the symbolism she carried. While opinions may remain divided, the reality star’s influence on fashion continues to captivate the world, sparking conversations about how we choose to honor the legacy of the past in our modern world.

Conclusion: A Symbol Reimagined, A Legacy Debated

Kim Kardashian’s decision to wear Princess Diana’s cross necklace highlights the complexity of merging historical reverence with modern fashion. Whether you view her choice as a fresh tribute or an overstep, it has undeniably reignited public interest in the legacy of the People’s Princess. As fashion continues to evolve, so will the dialogue on how to respect, interpret, and reinvent iconic symbols of the past in today’s cultural landscape.