I think the Love and Clou are really important designs. Almost like the jewelry version of Warhol's pop art, but they more belong to Cipullo than Cartier in my opinion.
BUT to me, these designs, they have been ruined though to some degree in my opinion by Cartier's practices. I think the bracelets (and maybe a ring) were enough. But Cartier they have kind of tried to milk the Clou and Love for all they can (kinda like the Star Wars or Marvel sequels and spin-offs). I think that has ruined the specialness of the design. I also feel the same about VCA - there just isn't much creativity or variety - its mostly the Alhambra - which is a cool design - but they are kind of overdoing it --- but its what sells!!! I mean, can't they come up with new classic designs? Or just more sophisticated understated jewelry - does it all have to be "unique" to the brand?
It is interesting to me how the Love was originally a novelty they sold - it was almost a joke for the Maison to sell them - not at all representative of their prestigious offerings at the time. But now, it is really what defines their offerings. It has become a coveted status symbol, seen as so precious - and really it takes up almost all of their "design" output which is kind of sad. It is sad also, that these are now "substantial pieces" --- thinner hollower pieces than the Love make up large amounts of the collection today ---- and the Love was supposed to be the thin cheapy piece when it debuted!!!
I guess I like the Flora and Fauna collections, and some of the seasonal-like special ones (Inde Misterieuse, Clash beads, eg), there is creativity there. They don't totally connect with me - I am not sure what consumer they are for (is it for Asia? Middle East? Often it does not seem designed to appeal to my sensibility but the designs are creative and technically wonderful regardless). I do wish they made these items though at lower price points (maybe just plain gold, very basic stones, etc), similar to the love pricing - doing good design at more friendly prices. There is a very high premium compared to the love, for the Panthere gold pieces, for example. Not sure what its about, but it would be great if it was all priced more align with workmanship and gold value.
I wish they made more gold jewelry. Like more creative and/or beautiful bracelets (maybe a variety of fine fancy link bracelets (curbs, bricks, rope work, etc. classic designs - it is really hard to find unbranded pieces of Cartier quality jewelry today), plainer rings with semi-precious stones.
All of this is why I mostly get signed pieces at auction houses today. You can get cool creative and substantial designs from Cartier and the other jewelry houses, but at friendlier price points, similar to love. (there is also of course the crazy bling stuff at auction too, but there are many plainer gold bracelets, rings, etc. of rarity and ingenuity)
