A diamond expert has shared their thoughts on a subtle statement Kanye West was making at the Grammy's while most people were busy focusing on his wife Bianca Censori's barely-there dress.
West and Censori stunned onlookers when they arrived at the Grammys on Sunday (February 2), where they took to the red carpet and posed in front of the cameras.
Censori was initially wearing a black fur coat, but after turning her back to the cameras she dropped her outer layer to reveal a sheer dress which has since been the subject of headlines across the globe.
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Her controversial fashion choice naturally garnered the majority of the attention from the couple's red carpet appearance - so much so that West later claimed his wife was the 'most Googled person on the planet' - but there were a few people who honed in on West's style, too.
The rapper went for a monochrome look with a simple black T-shirt and trousers, but he also wore a sparkling panther necklace which diamond experts at UK retailer Steven Stone believe sent a message of its own.
According to the experts, the Cartier Panthère necklace costs $28,500 and is crafted from white gold and black lacquer. It features an emerald to represent the eye of the panther, surrounded by 189 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.73 carats.
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Explaining the meaning behind this accessory, the experts said the panther was a symbol of 'strength, courage, leadership, and power' - traits needed to help West pull off the stunt that he and Censori went for on the red carpet.
Maxwell Stone, Creative Director at Steven Stone, said of West's necklace choice: “Renowned for his shock value, which is something he certainly lived up to at the Grammys, it’s no surprise that the striking piece carries deep symbolism. The panther - a symbol of strength, courage, leadership, and power across various cultures - perfectly aligns with his bold, headline-making antics."
West has spoken out since he and Censori caught the attention of the world, though he kept the focus on his wife as he claimed her appearance 'opened a whole new world'.
In a post on Twitter, he wrote: "I keep staring at this photo like I was staring in admiration that night. Thinking wow I am so lucky to have a wife that is so smart talented brave and hot.
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"She took a break from shooting her first film to make a movie in real life. We tailored that invisible dress 6 times. And just like magic poof, we disappeared."
"Thank you to all the outlets who recognized us and gave us back the energy we put in," West added.
Topics: Celebrity, Fashion, Kanye West, Bianca Censori, Grammys
Emily Brown