Kim Kardashian Wears Princess Diana’s Iconic Cross Necklaces, Facing Backlash [VIDEO]

Kim Kardashian is no stranger to controversy when it comes to fashion. This is especially true when her style choices intersect with historical artifacts. This time, she stirred up mixed reactions by wearing Princess Diana’s iconic cross necklace. It’s a valuable heirloom valued at around $200,000. This accessory is steeped in both history and symbolism. So, it has divided opinions. Some fans admire Kardashian’s ability to revive fashion history. Meanwhile others criticize the move as disrespectful to the memory of the late princess.

The incident occurred at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles. It was the first time the cross necklace had been publicly displayed since Princess Diana’s tragic passing in 1997. Kardashian’s ensemble sparked a flurry of reactions online. Fans were debating everything from the morality of wearing the piece to the implications of a non-royal accessorizing with such a symbol. Here’s a closer look at the situation and the public response.

Kardashian’s History with Iconic Fashion Pieces

For Kardashian, fashion has long been a means of connecting with cultural icons. Her personal collection already boasts artifacts once owned by legends like Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, and Janet Jackson. In recent years, Kardashian has taken this fascination further by acquiring and wearing these iconic pieces. Thus, sparking conversations on how celebrity-driven fashion influences public perceptions of history and respect for legacies.

The purchase of Princess Diana’s cross necklace at a Sotheby’s auction in early 2023 was seen as another bold addition to Kardashian’s extensive collection. The amethyst and diamond-studded cross was initially designed by Garrard, the British crown jeweler. As a result, it is remembered for its association with Princess Diana’s distinctive style. The piece was famously worn by Diana at a charity event in 1987, where she paired it with a maroon velvet gown.

For many, the necklace symbolizes Diana’s elegance. Also, her ability to make a statement with subtle sophistication. Kardashian, however, wore the cross in a vastly different context. Thus, adding it as a vibrant pop of color to an all-white outfit that included a plunging neckline. As a result, sparking critiques over the stylistic juxtaposition.

Social Media Reactions: Divided Opinions on the Choice

Public reactions on social media quickly showcased the polarized views surrounding Kardashian’s latest fashion statement. While some appreciated her bold approach, others felt the choice to wear a religious symbol in a revealing outfit was inappropriate. Fans and critics alike took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their opinions. Here are some notable reactions:

• @ChristisKing733 expressed, “She’s making a mockery of Christianity.”
• @RetiredNikitaM didn’t hold back, stating, “She was dressed like a whore wearing a cross. It was disrespectful.”
• @MrSantosNY raised broader concerns, tweeting, “Why is this thing defiling historic relics? She did the same to a Monroe gown!”
• @Devtheking26 commented on the sentimental value, “A princess’s necklace is HERS. Even if she died. It should belong to her family.”
• Others were more forgiving. @Factsbointown advised, “People gotta let things go man if they so mad they should’ve bought it.”

These mixed sentiments highlight a larger debate on whether celebrities like Kardashian should have access to historically significant artifacts. For some, Kardashian’s decision to wear Princess Diana’s necklace felt disrespectful, not only due to the context but also due to the potential risk of damaging an irreplaceable item.

The History and Significance of Princess Diana’s Cross Necklace

Designed by the prestigious Garrard jewelry house, the amethyst cross pendant has been regarded as a piece that symbolizes both elegance and resilience. Princess Diana wore the cross on several occasions, lending it an aura of sophistication. Many fans saw it as an emblem of her ability to defy royal traditions with her own sense of style.

The necklace, adorned with diamonds and a distinct amethyst center, reflects Diana’s preference for statement jewelry. The princess paired the piece with regal outfits, choosing attire that matched its grandeur. For Kardashian to style it differently – in a minimal white dress with a daring neckline – was bound to spark opinions on whether the modern take diminished the cross’s original allure.

Kardashian’s Response to the Backlash

As of now, Kardashian has not publicly responded to the backlash. However, this is not the first time she has faced criticism for her fashion choices. When she wore Marilyn Monroe’s dress to the Met Gala in 2022, similar discussions emerged regarding the preservation of historical artifacts and whether celebrities should have the right to wear them.

For Kardashian, wearing these pieces likely reflects her deep respect for the legacies they represent. She once stated that she felt a connection to Monroe while wearing the famous dress, describing it as a tribute rather than a trivial fashion choice. Fans expect Kardashian might view the cross necklace in a similar light, honoring Princess Diana’s influence on fashion rather than diminishing it.

The Broader Debate: Fashion, Respect, and Preservation

This recent incident has reignited conversations around celebrity access to historical fashion and the responsibilities that come with it. Some argue that allowing non-royal figures to wear these items can lead to a loss of historical context, while others believe that bringing these pieces into the public eye keeps the memories of their original wearers alive.

Kardashian’s choice touches on a larger cultural trend, where famous figures pay homage to past icons by wearing their belongings. For some, it’s a meaningful way to celebrate history. For others, it’s a breach of respect, especially when worn in settings that differ from the original context.

Looking Ahead: The Fate of Diana’s Cross Necklace

With backlash mounting, it remains to be seen whether Kardashian will choose to wear the cross necklace again. In a statement from Sotheby’s, the auction house expressed excitement about Kardashian’s ownership, with Kristian Spofforth, head of jewelry at Sotheby’s in London, highlighting the pendant’s boldness and the fresh perspective it could bring. “This is a bold piece of jewellery by its size, colour and style which cannot fail to make a vibrant statement, whether it be of faith or fashion – or indeed both,” Spofforth stated.

However, fans and critics alike question whether historical artifacts should be worn casually. Will Kardashian continue to incorporate Diana’s cross necklace into her wardrobe, or will the backlash prompt her to keep it preserved in her collection?

Final Thoughts: When Fashion and Legacy Collide

As the debate continues, Kardashian’s choice to wear Princess Diana’s cross necklace reminds us of the fine line between admiration and appropriation. While some view the gesture as a form of homage, others see it as crossing a line that should not be blurred. As the world’s fascination with both Kardashian and Princess Diana endures, this incident may serve as a lesson on the complexities of fashion, legacy, and respect.

In the end, Kardashian’s choice to don the iconic cross necklace raises important questions about celebrity influence and the preservation of historical pieces. With the power to spark such widespread conversation, this moment underscores the evolving relationship between public figures and the legacies they choose to honor – or redefine.