Updated on: March 24, 2026 | Maison de l'Amour
Do you have to be a believer to wear a cross? The fashion answer is NO. Since the 80s, the cross has transcended its religious meaning to become a universal style symbol. Sometimes rock, sometimes gothic-chic or ultra-minimalist, today it is a bold accessory. At Maison de l'Amour, we reinterpret it in gilded stainless steel for a touch of audacious everyday elegance.
1. From the Church to the Catwalks: The Evolution of an Icon
This is one of the most frequently asked questions: "I love your cross necklaces, but I'm not religious. Am I allowed to wear them?"
To understand why the answer is a resounding yes, we need to go back in time. It was in the 80s that pop culture embraced this symbol. Rebellious icons like Madonna (notably in her music video Like a Prayer) reappropriated the traditional cross to make it a provocative, sexy, and deeply fashionable accessory.
Later, Haute Couture houses (like Chanel or Dolce & Gabbana) massively incorporated it into their collections. The cross was no longer just an object of faith: it had become a fashion icon.
Model wearing a cross during a Chanel fashion show. Photo from ladepeche.fr
2. What does the cross symbolize today?
If you wear it outside of a purely religious context, the cross takes on new meanings, depending on how you wear it:
- The "Rock and Rebel" spirit: Paired with a leather perfecto or a vintage t-shirt, the large hammered cross or one set with zircons evokes grunge and gothic-chic aesthetics.
- Protection and Talisman: For many, the cross remains a universal symbol of spiritual protection, a good luck charm that watches over the wearer, regardless of dogma.
- Aesthetic boldness: With its perfect and symmetrical geometry, the cross is visually very striking. It draws the eye and frames a neckline like no other pendant.
3. How to wear cross jewelry with style?
The secret to wearing the cross in 2026 is to break away from the "literal" aspect. Here are 3 ways to adopt it according to Maison de l'Amour's codes.
Look 1: Layering
Don't leave your cross alone! The ultimate fashion trick is to layer it. Wear a delicate choker, add your cross necklace in the middle, and finish with a long chain. This blends the symbol into a super trendy golden cascade.
Look 2: Pure Minimalism
Choose a very delicate mini-cross, worn close to the neck on bare skin or over a black turtleneck sweater. The effect is mysterious, delicate, and utterly chic. Ideal for those who want to try the trend gently.
Look 3: On the ear
Forget the necklace and go for earrings! A small cross dangling from a golden hoop immediately adds a lot of character to a face.
4. Stainless Steel: Your Everyday Style Ally
Whether you choose an imposing or minimalist cross, the important thing is that it retains its luster.
Our necklaces and earrings are forged from water-resistant stainless steel. You can keep your jewelry on in the shower, at the pool, or while exercising: it won't tarnish and will keep that intense golden color that illuminates your complexion.
Affirm your style
Rock, minimalist, or bohemian... Discover how the cross adapts to your personality in our new collection.