It may seem like I say this quite a bit, but what goes around comes around - again and again! This is true especially in the world of fashion and the decorative arts. For instance, let’s talk about the classic cameo. A cameo is an item of jewelry that features a raised image or portrait. This technique of carving an image in some sort of stone for use as jewelry goes back to Roman times.  Today in the fashion world this means a likeness, usually of the head and shoulders of a woman in an oval frame. These classic pieces were originally worn as signet rings and then went on to be worn as brooches, necklaces, bracelets and even earrings. In the Victorian era when women wore high lace collars, they were clasped at the throat for an elegant look. Later in the 1920’s they were used as pendants either on a chain or silk cord. Thought of as an attractive nod to the past, they’ve been popping up here and there in the fashion scene every decade or so. Well, guess what?  It seems the time for the cameo to make its return appearance on the runway (and in your jewelry box) is back! 

Luxury fashion house Lanvin was the first to catch my eye in their fall 2012 campaign with their oversized black and white cameo dangling from black velvet ribbons. The larger than life necklaces were very complimentary to the simplicity of their aesthetic design. You must think of wearing items like this as displaying artwork. You want to give them a nice background where the delicacy and intricacy of the portrait can really shine, especially if they’re on a large scale.

Many years ago the fashion house of Chanel celebrated their founder with a portrait of Coco Chanel herself on a vintage brooch (shown here) dating from the 1940’s or 50’s. They have also brought back some of these looks for their spring 2013 runway show in Paris, which featured a bohemian look of lots of layered necklaces including cameo-inspired pieces.

A true classic, the cameo allows us all to feel the pull of the past while presenting ourselves as stylish and forward thinking fashion people. Take for instance the rap artist and now fashion designer Kanye West, seen here wearing a black and white cameo on a chain.  If that doesn’t put the seal of approval on these interesting pieces, I don’t know what does.

Next time you’re out shopping at the Goodwill Store & Donation Center near you, take a good look at all the jewelry and accessories in the display cases. I know I always do, because you just never know when you’re going to find a cameo inspired piece like a bracelet, necklace, earrings, ring or some other up-to-the-minute fashion item that someone else thought of as past its prime. That’s why week in and week out I cue you in on out items and trends that could be making a “cameo” appearance in your modern wardrobe for a lot less by shopping at our stores!