The occasion when Taylor herself first wore the cape was Princess Grace’s famous Scorpio Ball, held in Monte Carlo on November 15, 1969, in honor of Kelly’s own star sign. Taylor, a Pisces, was in attendance alongside her husband Richard Burton, himself a Scorpio. Her theatrical cape, with its diamond-encrusted scorpions and contrasting ivory moire silk lining, was an extravagant nod to the evening’s theme, in keeping with the opulent style Taylor had become known for. The fashion connections run even deeper: Karl Lagerfeld was working as an independent designer for Tiziani at the time, and Christie’s suggested the cape might be one of his works. (Even more delicious, then, for Jenner, who is a Chanel woman through and through.)
The original piece was eventually sold at auction at Christie’s in 2011, as part of the auction of Taylor’s extraordinary personal collection, for $74,500. Whether Jenner wore this same garment or a faithful recreation remains to be confirmed. Either way, it was an especially fitting choice for the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch, who celebrates her birthday on November 5 and is also a Scorpio.
Elizabeth Taylor wears the Scorpion cape and a dazzling $1 million Cariet diamond to Princess Grace’s birthday party.Photo: Getty Images
The Tiziani black velvet “Scorpion” evening cape, worn at the “Scorpion” ball for Princess Grace of Monaco’s 40th birthday, on display at a preview of Elizabeth Taylor’s collection on December 1, 2011 at Christie’s in New York.Photo: Getty Images
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