What’s happened to that famous English reserve? writes the Countess de Ruel. Your glossy magazines have reached a new level of 'vulgarité' shouting ‘money, money, MONEY!’

The other day in the dentist's office I thumbed through the magazines and realized the understatement and decorum (comme il faut) associated with your race has long gone. In its' place is a glorification of extravagance, decadence, and all things louche. I think it's meant to be funny and shocking, but it’s just bad taste, especially so with the economy in turmoil.

One wonders if the editors think the whole economic downturn is a joke, or if they are only interested in pandering to the celebrity, super-rich, whom they obviously worship.

C'est domage.