According to Cherie Balch of Shrimpton Couture, "the Lacroix [cross] was just a play on the original 1930s Chanel Maltese cross designed by Verdura. Verdura's design was a combo of the jewels Chanel preferred [from] her personal collection and a loose interpretation of the star of the Knights of Malta."
But seriously, that Lacroix sweater is now too iconic because of the Vogue cover and shouldn't be touched in my opinion; even if Chanel was the initial inspiration.