Cameo Comeback

Cameo is Making a Comeback

Cameo carvings is "a tradition that began in the fifteenth/sixteenth century and was popularized by Queen Victoria of England. Since that time, cameos have predominately showcased women's profiles, and been worn by women who enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of hand-carved cameos.

Yet cameos have not always been decorative jewelry for women. In fact, at different points in history they have been worn as frequently by men. While the birthplace of the cameo was nearly 300 years before the birth of Christ in Alexandria, Egypt, cameos owe their origins to ancient carving traditions. As far back as 15,000 BC, petroglyphs — figures carved into rock — were used to record significant events and communicate information. In ancient times people used cameos to depict an ethic or moral, or to make a statement about their faith or loyalties.

In the centuries since, cameos [and cameo-inspired pieces] have been used for various purposes and decorated with a wide range of carvings," (The Cameo Collection) from rocker-like tongues to horses and nature scenes. (See here)   

Despite, their charm, cameos have been unpopular for some time; people simply have not been wearing them. However, fashion houses like Miu Miu and Lanvin are attempting to change that; this year they have revived the age old charms into something new. Both Miu Miu and Lanvin feature chunky cameo-inspired jewelry pieces in their 2012 collections  —  Miu Miu Spring 2012 and Lanvin Pre-Fall 2012 (See below). Although, both collections have some similarities, the two are very different. Miu Miu's collection is bright and more mod, while Lanvin's collection is less vivid and more romantic. Nontheless, both fashion houses do a wonderful job of meshing together new age style and traditional class — it's the perfect combination.    

The Guide

Below are tips  —  thanks to Shitika Anand of Fashionising  —  on how to rock this trend the modern way along with magazine editorials that hopefully will inspire you:


1. Play Around: You don’t have to ponder upon the history and art textbooks. The comeback of cameo jewellery in 2012 is less serious. Wear as a brooch around the collar or pin it to your scarf. You could even pin it to your hat. 

2. Pair Up With Romantic Silhouettes: Team cameo earrings with romantic silhouettes inspired by the 1960s; they work very well with one another.  

3. Don't  Go Too Far:  If you’re digging into your vintage wardrobe, leave the cameo jewellery in the box. Turn the vintage meter down with more modern-style or futuristic jewellery.

4. Shop Over-sized: When buying cameo jewellery, opt for cameo brooches or oversized cameo pendants, rather than traditional earrings.

Miu Miu Spring 2012

5. Refurbish:  If you have shell cameo pins and brooches, head to an antique jewellery store and ask them to redo the piece on glass or something with a more solid base – this will give you a fresher look. 

Lanvin Pre-Fall 2012 

 Click here, for more Cameo!