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French Vogue photo

A model wears Cartier jewelry estimated at 4.5 million Euros in French Vogue

Jewellery trends

French Vogue piles on the gems

Bravo Carine Roitfeld.

When the rest of the fashion magazine world is running Luxe for Less stories, the renegade editor-in-chief of French Vogue is celebrating decadence by piling on the haute joaillerie.

A story in the August 2009 issue features a model laden with diamonds and pearls. If one necklace is good, the theory seems to go, then surely eight necklaces are eight times better. And while we're at it, let's throw on a dozen diamond bangles, a few gold chain belts and a purse with jewelled strap too.

A full page is devoted to each of the 10 jewellery houses featured, with the house's logo printed on the model's white t-shirt. The styling is rock and roll '80s motorcycle chic with a black leather bra peeking through in one shot. Best of all, an estimated total value of the items worn is unapologetically declared in large type. The Chopard total rings in at 8 million Euros!

Does Carine really expect anyone to wear all of the jewelry in her safe at once?

Hardly.

But she is encouraging a new way of thinking. And if you watch trends long enough (like we have), you start to notice that the style pendulum swings between extremes - bare shoulders to shoulder pads, wide trousers to slim.

In the case of this French Vogue spread, Carine is sending a clear signal that it's time to kiss restraint goodbye.