Forbes.com 11.17.06
Large houses, super-sized cars, expensive logos and exquisite "bling" have long been ways of making sure everyone knows--or thinks--that you are among the financial elite. But true to trend cycles, the fashion for aggressive displays of wealth is hitting a low point.
As evidence, we needn't look any further than a modern master of materialism. Last month at the MTV International Music Video awards, Sean "Diddy" Combs said that he did not want to be defined by jewelry or money. ("I'm above all of that," said the man who ordered that guests at his 29th birthday party only wear top designers--Gucci, Versace and Sean John Collection made the cut.)