Kim Kardashian and Other Celebrities Revive Iconic Fashion History on the Red Carpet
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In a dazzling blend of glamour and history, some of the world’s most famous celebrities have been granted rare access to wear iconic pieces of fashion heritage, sparking renewed interest in archival couture and jewelry. Among the most notable is Kim Kardashian, who owns what many consider “arguably the most important dress of the 21st century,” and has been seen re-wearing legendary pieces once donned by Hollywood and royal icons.
One of the most captivating stories involves Elizabeth Taylor’s Cartier necklace featuring the famed heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond. Originally a gift from the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahangir to his wife Mumtaz Mahal—whose death inspired the Taj Mahal’s construction—the necklace was later gifted to Taylor by her husband Richard Burton in 1972. At the 2026 world premiere of Wuthering Heights, Margot Robbie wore this historic necklace paired with Lorraine Schwartz diamond earrings and a 19th-century ruby and diamond ring, styled alongside a Schiaparelli couture gown. The revival of such a storied piece highlights the enduring allure of jewelry that transcends time and culture. More about the history of the Taj Mahal diamond can be explored through the Metropolitan Museum of Art collections.
Kim Kardashian’s connection to Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy runs deep. In 2025, she walked the Balenciaga runway wearing Taylor’s iconic diamond chandelier earrings, originally purchased by Taylor in Paris in 1957 and later remade with 15 carats of real diamonds. These earrings were loaned from designer Lorraine Schwartz, who acquired them at auction for $374,500. Kardashian also owns several pieces of Taylor’s jewelry, including jade and diamond bracelets, which she purchased at auction in 2011. She has spoken about feeling the energy of Taylor’s spirit through the pieces, underscoring the emotional and cultural significance of preserving and wearing historic jewelry. The auction details can be found through the Sotheby’s official site.
Similarly, the Attallah Cross necklace, worn by Princess Diana to a charity gala in the 1980s and crafted by Garrard, the UK’s former court jeweler, was brought back to the spotlight when Kardashian wore it to the 2024 LACMA Art+Film Gala. Kardashian purchased the necklace the previous year for $197,453, continuing the tradition of lending new life to exquisite pieces with royal provenance. Garrard’s history and royal commissions are documented on the Royal Collection Trust website.
Perhaps the most talked-about revival was Kardashian’s 2022 appearance at the Met Gala, where she wore Marilyn Monroe’s crystal-adorned “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress. Designed by Bob Mackie and created by Jean Louis, the dress is famed for Monroe’s sultry performance to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Purchased at auction by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for $4.8 million, it remains the most expensive dress ever sold at auction. Kardashian’s commitment to fitting into the historic garment, including a reported 16-pound weight loss in 21 days, sparked widespread discussion about body image and the pressures of celebrity fashion. The Met Gala’s cultural impact and event details are available through the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
These instances of celebrities re-wearing archival fashion pieces not only celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of past eras but also raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The practice requires meticulous care, expert authentication, and often involves collaboration with museums, private collectors, and designers. It offers the public a rare glimpse into the stories behind these treasured items, blending history with contemporary style in a way that few other art forms can.
As the fascination with vintage and archival fashion grows, so too does the dialogue around sustainability and the value of timeless design. The ability of stars like Kim Kardashian and Margot Robbie to access and showcase these pieces underscores a unique intersection of celebrity influence, historical preservation, and fashion innovation.
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