Once again, Kim Kardashian is making waves, this time by channeling the iconic elegance of the late Princess Diana. At the LACMA Art+Film Gala, held in Los Angeles, Kardashian brought her own twist to a royal legacy, stepping out in a striking white Gucci gown paired with an extravagant piece once owned by the “People’s Princess” herself—Diana’s famous amethyst cross.
The jewel, weighing in at 5.25 carats and comprised of square-cut amethysts and circular-cut diamonds, is a show-stopping piece with a rich history. Kardashian acquired the piece in early 2023, shelling out nearly $200,000 at Sotheby’s prestigious Royal & Noble auction. Since then, Kardashian’s decision to wear the pendant at such a high-profile event is a move that has some applauding her homage to Diana’s timeless style and others raising eyebrows over the combination of Hollywood glitz with royal history.
Diana famously wore the amethyst cross at a charity gala in 1987, pairing it with an elegant, deep purple Catherine Walker velvet gown, truly fit for royalty. Kim, however, put her spin on the piece, combining it with a sleek, floor-length white Gucci gown with a plunging neckline, topped off with a sophisticated cream cape that draped over her shoulders. It was a look that aimed for classic but leaned Hollywood, drawing a distinct contrast with the understated dignity Diana favored.
While Kardashian’s tribute may seem bold, it’s not the first time she’s stepped into iconic fashion history. She’s known for pushing boundaries, often sparking heated debate around her choices. And whether Kardashian’s use of the pendant can be considered respectful or ostentatious, the mother of four certainly knows how to make an impression. She complemented the necklace with a short, flipped bob hairstyle that added an Old Hollywood touch, perhaps another nod to icons of the past.
Kardashian’s choice at the gala wasn’t the only time she’s recently been in the headlines for her unconventional style. Just days earlier, she sent fans into a frenzy with a Halloween look that had her unrecognizably transformed into an albino alligator. Kardashian pulled out all the stops for this eerie costume, donning green contact lenses, scales, and elaborate prosthetics. The look, brought to life by makeup artist Alexis Stone, took two weeks to craft and included a blend of paint, scales, and prosthetics that covered Kardashian’s head and chest, turning her into a reptilian character straight out of a fantasy film. If the aim was to make an impression, mission accomplished.
Not to be outdone, Kardashian’s younger sisters also put their spin on Halloween this year. Kylie Jenner, known for her own bold fashion choices, took on the persona of Jane Fonda’s “Barbarella,” fully embracing the 1960s sci-fi glamor of the iconic film. Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber went for a more nostalgic, tongue-in-cheek homage, dressing up as Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie from *The Simple Life*, reminding everyone of the early 2000s reality TV days. The sisters certainly captured the spotlight with their nostalgic but playful interpretations.
Ultimately, Kardashian’s recent style choices have only further solidified her position as one of Hollywood’s most polarizing figures. With each event, she tests the boundaries of celebrity culture, blending her own brand of daring Hollywood glitz with elements of high fashion and historical iconography. Some view her choices as an homage, others as an intrusion into legacies that deserve a more respectful touch. Either way, Kim Kardashian remains a force in the celebrity world, keeping fans and critics alike on their toes with each bold move she makes.
