As high-status fashionistas attended Paris Fashion Week, there was a notable amount of Cartier around their wrists, fingers, ears, and necks.  The jewelry was often found in more pared-back contexts, where the jewelry was the most obvious status symbol rather than logos or innovative materials. Though there were exceptions to this rule.

On Day Two of Haute Couture week, one guest sported a navy Hermès Birkin 25, which they adorned with a twilly and accessorized with a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra gold bracelet and a Cartier Écrou gold bracelet. The look is an ostentatious combination of luxury brands that immediately communicates this anonymous individual’s status as an important customer. The accessories were paired with an unidentified patterned light blue dress, which further establishes a relaxed feel for the whole ensemble. Haute Couture week is just another thing to do, rather than a big, exciting event. 

Another guest wore a similar combination of Van Cleef and Cartier. The Van Cleef Alhambra has beautiful mother-of-pearl motifs. Paired with a substantial Cartier Love bracelet. The bracelet is a significant choice because of the rebellious visible screw details that add a raw touch to an otherwise classic piece of jewelry. The bracelets were worn with a raffia-and-brown-leather shoulder bag, light blue denim jeans, and a white button-up. Similar to the first look mentioned, there is a casual energy present across looks worn by guests who are not celebrities or direct members of the industry. This is an opportunity to analyze the potential of future couture pieces from each label, rather than to show off. 

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Another guest wore a chic black set on Day Four of Couture Week, attending the Celia Kritharioti show. She styled the look with a wide black belt featuring statement gold hardware. Her black Hermes Birkin 25 had a small silk twilly wrapped around one handle. She wore two Cartier bracelets, a Love and a Juste un Clou on each wrist. The look is completed with Alaia mesh ballet flats. The look is a very classic take on what one might wear to a fashion event. Chic but conspicuous. 

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Chanel Ayan and Nneka Ihim attended the Germanier Couture Show in ostentatious looks characteristic of the designer, paired with several Cartier pieces. Ihim wore a Cartier Love bracelet in yellow gold, a Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet, Cartier Love rings in yellow and white gold, and a Cartier Juste un Clou Ring. Ihim also carried a Hermes Mini Kelly in a soft grey blue that complemented the reflective shades of her Germanier couture. Ayan paired her look with sheer black gloves and unidentified silver hoops. The looks are bold but in keeping with the show's context and signify the women’s more public status as Real Housewives rather than as anonymous clients. 

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Nina Garcia of Marie Claire and Project Runway wore a simple black-and-white ensemble accented with red-toed heels. She attended the Giorgio Armani Privé show. Her look is reminiscent of stereotypical Parisian style. Her yellow-gold Panthère de Cartier watch adds formality to an otherwise more relaxed look. Garcia’s look fits in with the clients more than with the housewives. Her position as a fashion critic and celebrity makes her subtlety a deliberate choice (whether out of convenience, personal style, or status signalling). 

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Cartier's dominance at Paris Fashion Week is a sign that conspicuous consumption is back in a big way. In the age of constant content on social media, style is about standing out, financially or visually. Cartier (Hermes and Van Cleef) pieces are perfect for celebrities and Couture clients who want to assert their status through style without sacrificing subtlety and craftsmanship.