Kim Kardashian is reportedly poised to make another bold fashion statement at Monday evening's Met Gala, this time by wearing Princess Diana's iconic 1994 'Revenge Dress'. The reality star, 45, is said to have acquired the gown, which was famously worn by Diana to a dinner in Kensington following the televised admission of adultery by her then-husband, King Charles.
Controversy Over Historic Garments
The news has sparked outrage, particularly among fans of Princess Diana and Marilyn Monroe, as it comes four years after Kardashian faced backlash for allegedly damaging Monroe's iconic 'Happy Birthday Mr President' gown at the 2022 Met Gala. The Christina Stambolian-designed Revenge Dress is currently owned by private Scottish collector Graeme Mackenzie, who purchased it at a 1997 auction for over $74,000 and keeps it in a bank vault for preservation.
On Monday's episode of Good Morning Britain, entertainment correspondent Rishi Davda fuelled speculation, stating: 'If rumours are to be believed, she is hiring another iconic frock - none other than Princess Diana's 1994 revenge dress.'
Social Media Backlash
One X user commented: 'So Kim is reportedly trying to acquire Diana’s “revenge dress.” After destroying the look of with Marilyn's dress! Kim u can wear an iconic dress, but u can’t replicate the presence, context, or legacy that made it unforgettable.'
The anger echoes the controversy surrounding Kardashian's wearing of Marilyn Monroe's dress in 2022. Videos and images emerged claiming to show rips and tears to the delicate, bedazzled gown after Kardashian wore it. A video allegedly showed the dress on display at Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Hollywood with a visible tear on the back right strap. Monroe fans accused Kardashian and Ripley's of damaging the historical artifact.
One Instagram user, Darrell Rooney, shared a video saying: 'Notice the damage to the right strap in the back of Marilyn Monroe’s 1962 gown.' In another post, he wrote: 'Look at the damage caused by KK. Irreversible. Marilyn Monroe’s 1962 gown has multiple tatters now.'
The posts prompted an outpouring of rage from Monroe fans. 'Ripleys don't deserve the dress. They've proved they have no integrity & lack the professional skills to maintain historical artifacts of value,' one person wrote. Another asked: 'Can [Kardashian] be sued? For damaging the dress?' adding: 'This is absolutely disgusting. I am so upset she ruined a beautiful piece of history tailored just for one queen and one queen only…. MARILYN.'
In 2024, Kardashian was branded 'vulgar' for wearing Princess Diana's iconic amethyst cross necklace, which she purchased at Sotheby's for just under $200,000. The necklace was famously worn by Diana to a 1987 charity event.
As the Met Gala approaches, all eyes are on Kardashian to see if she will indeed don the Revenge Dress, and whether this latest fashion choice will further stoke controversy over the treatment of historic garments.
