That Cameo Noir

FOLLOWING NET-A-PORTER'S KARL LAGERFELD LAUNCH, for which the designer interviews himself on cam, talk-show style, in his studio library, I've gathered here two new ways to wear the cameo, outside of being in blush, dangling at the end of a necklace. That's how I used to wear it in the 80's at least.

Though historically referring specifically to raised relief in contrasting color to its background, modern cameos are now being accepted as "cameos" even though they feature a single color, and in this case, a combination of both raised and depressed carvings; i.e. carvings above and below the background surface.

Bottega Veneta's cameo bracelet looks tough in all-black oxidized silver and Karl's cameo-intaglio embellished collar looks pop with a surprise ghost slogan printed around the back: "I only wear the latest thing. It's my job."

Really? I wish it were my job too.

Bottega Veneta cameo bracelet and Karl printed cotton-poplin cameo collar from www.net-a-porter.com

That History of Work

IT WAS MY ONLY PURCHASE AT COLETTE as it was the only thing I could afford at Colette. Of course there were the little knick knacks and toys but I've never really been interested in those and this was a lucky buy anyway as it sold out very soon after.

An exhibition held at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Parcours du Travail presents the quality of Karl Lagerfeld's work through both his published and personal photographs. Always subtle and without any intention to shock or arrest. The elegant book lets you peer through the eyes, and just a little bit into the mind, of one of the greatest luminaries of our time.

Parcours du Travail, published by Steidl and Maison Européenne de la Photographie. Available at www.colette.fr

That Image and Likeness

KARL'S JUNIOR? Adorable.

I'm not so crazy about the bear as I am about the photograph of Karl -with the bear- clothed to look like his fuzzy little mini me.

The limited edition teddy bear produced by German stuffed animal manufacturer Steiff was launched in Neiman Marcus in 2008. Having sold at USD 1,500 each, you'd have hoped it included dry cleaning for those fancy little clothes.

Karl Lagerfeld teddy bear by Steiff.

Image from www.marieclaire.it