There are family heirlooms, and then there are family heirlooms. Most of us are lucky if we inherit a decent handbag or a piece of jewellery from our mothers. Kim Kardashian, meanwhile, has access to Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary Scorpio cape. And, as Kris Jenner has just reminded us, borrowing privileges clearly come with an expiry date.
At the Rome Film Festival on Saturday, Kris stepped out for the Season 2 premiere of All’s Fairwearing the very same black velvet, scorpion-embellished cape that her daughter had borrowed for the legal drama. Paired with a floor-length white gown and long white gloves, it was a suitably theatrical appearance from the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch.
The cape, originally designed by Tiziani Roma, has quite the fashion CV. Elizabeth Taylor wore it to Princess Grace of Monaco’s 40th birthday celebrations in 1969, otherwise known as the Scorpio Ball. The occasion celebrated Grace Kelly’s star sign, with Taylor’s husband Richard Burton also a Scorpio. The cape, complete with its sparkling scorpion embellishments and contrasting ivory lining, was entirely appropriate for a party where the dress code was essentially written in the stars.
Fast forward almost six decades, and the piece has found its way into the Kardashian family wardrobe. Kim confirmed on Instagram Stories that her mother owns the cape and had generously lent it to her for All’s Fair. After learning about Taylor’s original appearance at the Scorpio Ball, the show’s creator Ryan Murphy reportedly incorporated a similar event into the series, with Kim’s character, divorce lawyer Allura Grant, hosting her own version. Talk about method dressing.
Now, Kris has reclaimed her vintage treasure for the red carpet. And the timing could hardly be better: her birthday falls on 5 November, making her a Scorpio, too. Whether the cape was chosen for its personal significance or simply because few things make a statement quite like a piece of Hollywood history, we approve.
Besides, if your mum owns an Elizabeth Taylor original, you might as well make the most of it. Just perhaps remember to return it before the next red carpet invitation arrives.
Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..
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