Kim K’s outing with the famed Attallah Cross at the LACMA Art + Film Gala last week was tantalising fodder for consumption, to say the least, for fashion historians and culture commentators. Throw in some foreseen loathing and puzzled chatter (mind you, this piece wasn’t seen for decades until the Sotheby’s auction last year), where Kimberly purchased the item for a price slightly over $200,000. Honestly, a steal for something that could easily pass as a fashion artefact enveloped in royal mystique.
The Attallah Cross, which is 5.4 inches by 3.7 inches and has diamonds that weigh around 5.25 carats, was a 1920s jewel marvel frequented by Princess Diana and designed by Garrard. Kardashian wore the necklace with a stack of jewellery, including a six-strand pearl choker, and fashioned it a tad bit differently. Kim utilised the piece to add some colour to her otherwise all-white ensemble rather than matching it to the amethyst tone. A hit, in my opinion.
A brief fashion history lesson on the Attallah Cross:
While supporting Birthright, an International women’s health organisation, Princess Diana became a patron in 1984, wearing the Attallah Cross to their charity ball. Having donned one of her favourite designers, Catherine Walker, she paired the cross with her own long pearl necklace. The amethysts on the cross allude to royalty because they were historically connected to both royalty and the clergy.
Additionally, for those of us who don’t know, Princess Diana also chose her engagement ring from the Garrard, signalling a long-standing friendship with the jeweller, which went on even after her publicised separation from the then-prince Charles.In fact, for one of her last public appearances, what she wore is now known as the Swan Lake necklace, a diamond and South Sea pearl necklace that she and Garrard collaborated to create. The late Naim Attallah, the group chief executive of Asprey & Garrard, was initially the owner of the cross and is assumed to have lent it to the late princess multiple times throughout the years for high-profile media engagements and philanthropic outings. The Attallah Cross was also never seen in public again (till Kim K’s auction moment) following Princess Diana’s death, and it is thought that she was the only person to ever wear it.
Easily one of the world’s most fashionable women, in addition to being one of the most adored members of the British royal family, it’s no exaggeration when one says that the jewel was synonymous with the princess. Aesthetically speaking, it’s easy to notice why it runs in congruence with her sensibilities and sense of personal style. Let’s see if it sees the light of day again from Kim K’s already-expansive repertoire. I have a feeling it’s not the last of its appearances. Warrants something like the MET Gala or a magazine shoot to truly celebrate the iconic history attached to it.
Also Read: ELLE From The Vault: All You Need To Know About The Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras
