Love It, Hate It - The Cameo

LOVE IT!

Floral Pendant
TopShop

“Wave your hands in the air, like you don’t care”.  So sang Cameo in their 1986 hit, “Word Up”. Quite. Cameo’s, those old fashioned jewellery pieces of raised pictures in shell or stone, are having a moment.  This interests me for two reasons.  Firstly, what a great item to make a return.  All that beauty, nostalgia and, dare I say it, taste. Secondly, I am officially ahead of the curve, having bought a pair of cameo earrings on instinct about 6 months ago. In fashion speak, this doesn’t mean I am an early adopter; i.e. those that see a trend launch, jump on it post haste, lead the way and consequently demonstrate know-how to their fellow commuters.  It means that I am a trend setter!  Yes, a setter, (not to be confused with a red-setter, though with my colouring, I wouldn’t blame you for getting it mixed up).  But, now that Grazia has devoted an article to cameo inspired jewellery, we can safely say that the cameo is back on the menu.

Blushing Bride
Princess Victoria of Sweden

Although cameo’s can be seen as rather fussy and they certainly appear to fly in the face of this season’s pared down minimalism, they do sit incredibly well in uber trend vintage, a movement that’s still not showing signs of abating. Celebrities, especially those with canny stylists, first picked up on cameo jewellery last year, La Roux and Pixie Lott to name two and this June, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden wore a stunning cameo tiara at her wedding.  The high street have taken notice and this season, TopShop, ASOS and Miss Selfridge are all showing trinkets in this lovely style.

Facing Forward
The Romilly

But it’s not just jewellery that has had the cameo make over.  Lulu Guinness’ Cameo Romilly bag, £195 from ASOS, is simply divine and is a smart option for smart ladies and if you’d rather wear cameo in a different way altogether, then opt for Next’s tan leather and cameo belt, a snip at £18.