It’s a TOTES ROBERTA moment at Decades! We are honored to display vintage Roberta di Camerino garments from the famous Venetian design house’s archive along with a selection of unused modern bags available for purchase within our store and on line.
Founded by the late Giuliana Camerino in 1945, the legendary Italian house of Roberta di Camerino draws inspiration from its home of Venice and Neo-baroque style. Her innovative and iconic trompe l’oeil effect helped shape the industry and bridge the worlds of art and fashion. She earned the Neiman Marcus “Oscar of Fashion” Award in 1956, followed by a slew of international awards. In 1980 the Whitney Museum of American Art dedicated an exhibit to Roberta di Camerino, which showcased her conceptual design. RDC fans past and present include Princess Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Gina Lollobrigida, Isabella Rossellini, Madonna, and Anna Della Russo.
A few interesting facts about RDC bags. Her interlocking “R” logo foreshadowed Gucci’s interlocking “G’s”. She used woven leather before Bottega Veneta. Her use of fabrics normally associated with clothing was incredibly innovative in her iconic framed bags which have been widely copied - most recently by Prada.
It’s been said Giuliana Camerino invented the “status” bag - prior to Chanel and Hermes. Whether it’s a canvas coated tote bag or a decadent burn-out velvet structured bag, we are TOTES in love with Roberta di Camerino. Check your status here!
-Cameron
Roberta De Camerino installation at Decades. To purchase bags click here.
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to announce that I will be in Saudi Arabia the second week of February. Details will follow, but I am honored that Decades is part of SAUDI DESIGN WEEK. I have often felt that Decades is the United Nations of Fashion and this is another example of the beautiful way style brings us together. Inshallah!
Follow me on Instagram for exciting pictures from this forthcoming trip.
-Cameron
The iconic American Fashion House of Irene has been re-launched with a wonderful second collection for Spring/Sumer 2014. With Greg LaVoi at the lead, the collection is an important step in the right direction; to preserve heritage houses which seems to be a challenge for most now non-existent houses of the likes of Galanos, Scaasi, Trigere and Geoffrey Beene.
At Decades we have always cherished American designers and the influence they had in fashion worldwide. Finding an original Irene has always been a lesson in long lost techniques with couture-standard quality. The re-laucnch of the House of Irene, continues to sustain the true art of American Luxury and here is to hoping more legendary American fashion houses will follow suit.
To view the new Irene collection click here.
-Eri
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Everyone looks good in red. Trust me. I’ve seen everyone naked in Hollywood and no matter your skin tone, red just flatters. If you have a narrow rib cage (and I know many of our readers do), this 50s Ceil Chapman red chiffon scoop neck dress will need more than that…it also needs a little waist. Sorry, this is one of those dresses that I wish we had a size run in because as Ja’mie would say, “it’s quiche.” Maybe someone will get this to wear to a Golden Globe party this weekend? How would you style this?
-Cameron
Ceil Chapman red cocktail dress, c.50′s. Modern size 0.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Only if you MUST leave the house, in order to survive these super cold temperatures (for those not in California) we recommend fur as the only piece of clothing that will keep you truly warm. We do understand the anti-fur movement and mostly agree with them but this is vintage fur we are talking about. In fact a zip up Pierre Cardin fox fur in orange with zipper pockets from the early seventies! It doesn’t get better or cooler than this!
-Eri
Pierre Cardin zip up fox fur in orange with pockets, c. 1970′s. Unisex will fit modern size 4 to 8.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Are you ready for 2014? I am, but I won’t be partying like it’s 1999. We are preparing for award season and the events start happening in LA LA land literally in days! If short is the new long; long sleeve is the new sleeveless; and navy is the new black (sorry, orange), then isn’t this Emanuel Ungaro the right dress for 2013 into 2014? Midnight blue paillettes decorate a round neck long sleeve dress with signature Ungaro-ruching at the bust and hip. It’s part-Dynasty with a touch of Beverly Hills Bar Mitzvah c. 1982. However, add a dash of 21st century minimal glam with streamlined hair, yet complex shoes and suddenly this dress might just be perfect for a Balmain runway show c. next February in Paris. Midnight in Paris never looked so good! Please share photos of your NYE dresses by tagging @decadesinc or @camerondecades. We want to see you look good when the clock strikes 2014!
-Cameron
Emanuel Ungaro Parallele navy blue sequin long sleeve cocktail dress, c. 1980′s. Modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I have provided some useful vintage shopping tips in the Chicago Tribune which you can view here. Not every tip has been shared and one thing I always suggest is buy black-and-white, because you never know when someone is going to resurrect a Truman Capote-esque black-and-white ball. That being said, I have an outstanding Ceil Chapman strapless black-and-white gown to share with you that simply does everything right. White lace enhanced with intricate black jet beading and ribbon details, the kick pleat of black chiffon is what the Golden Age of Hollywood was all about: sexy without being vulgar. Marilyn Monroe famously wore Ceil Chapman and had this dress been designed with a more generous bosom in mind, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see the legend in this evening dress. Someone less busty, but super classy is the ideal future owner of this American 50s Couture chic dress. Now, who’s having the black-and-white ball? Maybe on New Year’s Eve? Black-and-white never goes out of style. Invest in fashion that will be with you for the long haul. Follow me on Instagram for a constant barrage of fashion seduction!
-Cameron
Ceil Chapman Black and White strapless beaded gown, c.1950’s. Modern size 0.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I never see movies, but I do pay attention to fashion in film. Clearly the dress triumphantly worn on perm-tastic Amy Adams in the acclaimed American Hustle is a variation of the iconic Travilla Marilyn gown which the designer revisited through the decades. We have a few 70s versions of the pleated halter gown and the flame red one will give you that American Hustle lewk that all the kids will be wearing on NYE! You don’t need a subway grate to look great!
Red Chiffon gathered gown, c.1970′s. Marked size 12, modern 8 to 10.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
While doing his taxes this past spring, artist
Tim Hailand thought to himself: BITCH NEEDS COIN, and this tee shirt was born! A playful take on manifesting abundance in one’s life. I mean who doesn’t need coin? Buy one now and manifest your own abundance - it will come! It has certainly proven to have worked for our very own Cameron Silver as seen here wearing the tee on his book signings all over the world.
Click here to pre-order yours for this limited run. To learn more about the artist go to his website.
Cameron Silver in B***h Needs Coin tee by Tim Hailand
White “Bitch Needs Coin” text on a black American Apparel men’s crew neck classic t-shirt. Comes in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
‘Tis the season of green and red, but this vintage Gucci suede and leather iconic coat with gold hardware is all green, all the time. It’s always amusing that these coats are often marked rather generous sizes like a 46, but always fit much, much smaller. I haven’t been paying much attention to current Gucci collection as of late, but give me a classic heritage piece and I swoon a little. Not to be worn in the rain, this is an ideal cool weather coat for the icon within you. So go green and go Gucci.
Gucci leather jacket with gold hardware, c. 1970′s. Marked size 48, modern size 4 - 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Since the holidays are around the corner and we are sure you have not yet found all the gifts on your holidays gift list, here are some Hermes options. From Birkins and Kellys, to scarves and jewelry, we have created an Hermes look book easy for you to flip through and find the one piece you have been waiting for. Start shopping!
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Halston and Gucci make a big appearance in American Hustle the much anticipated film directed by David O. Russell starring Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Amy Adams. The film is set in 1978 and even though some outfits scream seventies fashion, the clothes are central in telling the story. We at Decades have always celebrated the seventies as the sexiest of all decades and Hollywood is doing too with this great movie. To give you a taste of the actual seventies here are some vintage Halston and Azzaro pieces fit for Sydney Prosser. And click
here to shop all new arrivals.
-Eri
Halston one shoulder printed chiffon, c. 1970′s. Modern size 2 - 4.
Loris Azzaro silver jersey dress, c.1970′s. Modern size 2 - 4.
Loris Azzaro cream dress in crepe, c.1970′s. Modern size 2 - 4.
Halston mermaid strapless dress in fluorescent aqua, c.1970′s. Modern size 2.
Halston mermaid one strap shoulder jersey dress in black, c.1970′s. Modern size 4.
The perfect bag to carry with every outfit this holiday season and beyond. These little beauties don’t come along very often so seize the opportunity and treat yourself or someone you love very much. It will pay off, we promise!!! This Hermes Birkin 25cm comes with its own dust bag and no box.
-Eri
Hermes Birkin 25cm in Epsom rouge from 2006, comes with dust bag. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Besides being a respected patron of the arts and Robert Kennedy’s landlord, Philip Hulitar was most famous for his cocktail dresses and evening gowns. He adored women and created some amazing pieces that evoked style and femininity. Always classic and chic these pieces were timeless. We are in love with this strapless dress in teal tulle organza with a bow-sash in satin from the 50′s for any party this holiday season, or anytime of the year and any occasion. A very chic step away from black and a very classic silhouette with a modern twist.
-Eri
Phillip Hulitar satin and chiffon navy cocktail dress, c. 50s. Modern size 2
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
If classic Hulitar or Chanel are not your style, I am sure you will gravitate toward Moschino who did funky and cool for decades before making fun of fashion was fashionable. Not only will you look sexy and cool in this stretch jersey long dress but you will make a statement without speaking. Moschino has already spoken for you.
-Eri
Moschino black dress in stretch jersey, c.1980′s. Marked size 4, modern size 4-8.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We have been invaded by Swedish art at Decades. Last Monday we had a party to celebrate the Swedish artist Bea Szenfeld and her incredible art to wear pieces which are available for purchase
here.
Take a look at some of our party pics and the fabulous people that stopped by to support fashion and art.
Shop Bea Sznefeld pieces by clicking
here.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
There definitely has been a backpack moment brewing the last few years. The kids are all wearing backpacks - be they vintage Chanel or monogram MCM. However, if you march to a different drummer, maybe it’s time to go Bruxelles chic and invest in Delvaux, a brand older than Hermes and certainly parallel in quality. Delvaux had a store in LA on Sunset Blvd over twenty years ago that always had my interest but didn’t last long on the strip. People simply didn’t know Delvaux’s history (it was founded in 1829), but this bag came from a sophisticated Angeleno who ventured to Delvaux and found this unusual backpack with straps connected to a brass ring and unusual wooden “pole”. One enters the bag via the zippered compartment, but there is also a nice outside pocket on the other side, too. I like this bag because it doesn’t look like anyone else’s design. Isn’t that why we love vintage? To have something that looks original!
Delvaux Bruxelles forrest green backpack, c. 1980’s. Measures 4 x 13 x 17.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Norman Norell was great at a LBD, but not in a Parisian mode. A Norell LBD was American chic and continues to be oft-copied. Case in point: this round neck dress with gathered waist and large hip pockets. Fully functional and a wee-bit sporty, no? There is nothing anachronistic about this dress. It’s totally relevant today and we see designers doing variations of this wool crepe dress season after season. I would suggest adding a “sassy” bright belt and shoes for a punch of color. How would you style this 60s dress to keep it 21st century chic? And how do you think Norell’s iconic LBD compares to that of Givenchy? Tweet me your thoughts as I love hearing from you!
@CameronDecades
#keepthechic
x
Cameron
Norman Norell black wool crepe dress, c.1960′s. Modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
All new Hermes to start off winter with the right bag. The vintage red Hermes Kelly is an absolute beauty, it comes with lock, key and shoulder strap. The Bolide in olive green it’s the perfect option for day-to-evening bag and the Trim, well that’s classic Hermes.
Pick your favorite and call us!
-Eri
Hermes Kelly 32cm in red box leather with gold hardware from 1993, with shoulder strap, with lock and key.
Hermes Bolide 28cm in olive green box leather with gold hardware from 1994.
Hermes Trim in navy courchevel with gold clasp from 1990.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Hello Everyone! Yes I am alive. I just am on the #longestbooktourever so haven’t been chez Decades to blog and amuse you. I hope you have been following my trials and tribulations on Instagram @CameronDecades? Nothing is better than coming home and being floored by our latest acquisitions. Black Swan got nothing on this amazing Vivienne Westwood tulle ballerina gone mad like Natalie Portman! Or how about this Byblos gathered silk dress with a hat that means business and will protect you from the bee stings.
I love winter white, but if you are a bride with a ‘tude these may be the type of wedding dresses that will surely get a reaction from your guests. Decades is where we go to step outside of the box and get a little attention…a lot of attention!
I’ve missed you. Off to Mexico City next. Adios Amigos
XX!
-Cameron
Vivienne Westwood Haute Couture white dress with shoes, 2011. Modern size 4 and shoes size 7.
Byblos cream cocktail dress with hat, c.1980′s. Marked size 8, modern size 6
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We were very happy to hear that Jeremy Scott is now the new creative director at Moschino. Not only is he a super talented creative genius and a friend, he is one of our favorite rebels of fashion. His whimsy will fit right in with the historic sense of play that Franco Moschino built the house on. Form the archives, when Franco was still designing and poking fun at fashion, comes this LOVE jacket with button trim. We are sure Jeremy Scott will bring his take on Moschino with his new collection showing on February 2014, until then get your hands on some original Moschino.
-Eri
Moschino button jacket, c. 1980’s. Modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We couldn’t resist posting these two Hermes Birkins, hence the poor quality of the photos. The gold one is 28cm and the perfect everyday bag. Chic color that goes with everything just like actual gold. The 40cm is better suited for a weekend getaway, larger in size and in cool factor. Call 323.655.1960 as you know these will not be available for long.
Hermes Birkin 28cm in gold chamonix with gold hardware, missing the key.
Stamped for year 2000.
Hermes Birkin 40cm in black togo with gold hardware. Stamped for year 1996. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Have you been to the Gucci museum in Florence? It’s fantastic. The fabulous curator Grazia Vernneri has assembled the most amazing pieces from the legendary Gucci Cadillac, crocodile luggage carried by iconic 20th century celebrities, plus clothes and objects from the famous House of interlocking Gs! I have always loved Gucci suede coats from the late 60s/early 1970s. And this is an absolute winner for Fall of many years to come!
-Cameron
Gucci suede coat with enamel snaps, c.1970’s. Marked size 44, modern size 4-6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
A friend of mine who is a very beautiful woman once told me that when she met her husband she was wearing a red Alaia dress. He remembers her entering the room in a fitted red Alaia and falling immediately in love with her. They are married now for 17 happy years. She still wears Alaia often but for him she will always be the woman in a red dress entering the room. That is the power of a dress.
-Eri
Alaia red rayon dress, c 1980’s. Marked size M. Modern size 4-6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Decades has partnered with Christie’s in London on a new auction going live on November 13 on Christie’s website
www.christies.com/fashion . If you are in the look out for one of a kind vintage gems register to bid and purchase collector’s items carefully selected by the King of Vintage himself. Below is an interview of Cameron Silver with Christie’s if you want to better understand the importance of buying and wearing vintage.
Why is vintage fashion so alluring?
It’s not easy to have original style in the 21st century where everything and everyone is accessible. Vintage is a guarantee to personalise your style. Ironically, vintage dictates modern trends so a vintage wearer is always one step ahead of the fashion pack.
What is the holy grail of vintage for you?
An Yves Saint Laurent Mondrian dress. It would be nice to match it with the perfect new owner.
Which contemporary fashion designers do you admire?
I have very eclectic taste. Right now I am very Haider Ackerman, Rei Kawabuko, Ann Demeulemeester, and Raf Simons obsessed. I think Three as Four is brilliant. On the affordable end, I love COS! I am very democratic when it comes to fashion. I am very eclectic as I find things I love at Tommy Hilfiger, too! Great design and great designers with interesting and successful businesses are my heroes.
Who wears it best?
In 17 years of Decades, we have dressed Oscar winners to your grandma! Everyone can wear vintage. It’s just about HOW you wear it.
What are your top picks from Christie’s forthcoming Vintage Couture sale?
What should collectors be collecting for the future?
Neo Vintage is really starting to trend and there is interest in early Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga, Rick Owens, and I think the impact Mary Katranzou has had in prints as well as so much of Karl Lagerfeld’s opus cannot be ignored. There is a lot of good fashion happening right now.
What are your top tips for creating a vintage wardrobe?
Vintage should be your conversation piece so I prefer to buy pieces that make a statement and let your modern wardrobe complement. Don’t do basic or boring and step outside of your comfort zone. However, ask yourself when building your wardrobe ‘does this look modern?’ because that’s the great magic of vintage: when you get it right, you are the future of fashion.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Everyone is dead: Baron de Rede, Marlene Dietrich, Dirk Bogarde, former Texas governor Ann Richards, Halston, Ebony founder Linda Johnson, Rudi Gernreich, Krishnamurti, Christopher Isherwood, and Grace Kelly, among others.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame of Fort Worth Texas welcomes Cameron Silver on Wednesday October 23, at 5pm for a special shopping event inspired by the frontier women.
Click image above for more info.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
She famously said that elegance is in the lines. Coco Chanel was a passionate fan of the horses and was seen often at the races. She paid attention at the lines of the quilted jackets of the men working the stables and that became and inspiration for Chanel who appreciated the graphic and the flexibility of the fabric. And so the quilted handbag was born first in jersey and then in leather. In this photo Coco Chanel, wearing the bag in jersey is photographed in the 50’s at the races. We have the same bag from an equally elegant woman from Washington DC who at the time would take several trips to Paris to shop mostly Chanel and Hermes. Chic women understand other chic woman and what a better advise on what to buy when Coco Chanel has personally approved.
-Eri
Chanel jersey quilted bag with gold chain and red lining, c.1950’s. It measures 10’x7’x2.5’.
SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
From the designer who created both the wedding dress and the coronation gown for the Queen of England, here comes this 30’s amazing piece. All hand made in chiffon with the matching slip in silk and with a pleated tail, this dress is chic and feels modern today. The amazing hand work executed from inside out, makes it possible for you to wear the slip on its own and the dress without the slip for a sexy sheer look. And if Norman Hartnell was good enough for The Queen, I guess he is good enough for you.
-Eri
Norman Hartnell pleated chiffon gown in navy with silk camisole, c.1930’s. Will fit modern size 4 to 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Hitting stores today is my new Nine West collaboration and I had the best time styling Alexandra Spencer of 4th and Bleeker in great vintage clothing from Decades. The collection was inspired by 80s punk icons, but we wanted Alexandra to look totally modern. And we did that by interpreting great vintage from Decades along with some Alexandra’s personal clothing and my partner in fashion crime, Kate Ciepulch, and her perfect blazers she designs for her label Laveer. You can own some of the looks from the campaign if you click on the links below!
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Marc Jacobs bid Louis Vuitton adieu with a dramatic collection of showgirl and flapper goth dresses with bugle bead, crystals, and jet beads aplenty. This was the collection for the showgirl in every woman…or man. The authentic 1920s flapper dress below was previously owned by a 92 year old woman who now lives in Montecito. She purchased in the 1950s while living in Chicago and wore it on many glamorous occasions. How cool that this fashionista embraced vintage in the 1950s? This effortless sheath of decadent handiwork is the time of garment that nearly 100 years since it was first made, remains relevant and inspirational in the 2013. Get your glam on and find your inner showgirl.
1920’s anonymous flapper beaded dress on black chiffon, Modern size 4 to 8. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I really thought this would be my look tonight to watch Gina Gershon in House of Versace: grey flannel Versus by Versace overalls. What else does one wear when watching TV on a Saturday night at home? Well, Eri and Geoffrey had the unfortunate experience of seeing me try them on and let’s just say we like them much more on our friendly size four mannequin than on 6’3″ me! We’ve seen so much androgyny on runways that this look is better on the fairer sex. All you need to do is shorten the straps (as we did) and your boobies are covered - or - wear the straps long with a great Alaia bodysuit underneath and you are covered. Iconic pewter hardware and roomy pockets makes for a chic and slouchy look. Unisexy!
Gianni Versace VERSUS grey wool flannel jumpsuit with Medusa buttons and adjustable straps, c. 1990’s. Marked 38/52 so it’s a weird unisex size and we adjusted the length of the straps to cover the boobies!
Will fit sizes 0 to 8. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Saturday night you will find me watching my friend Gina Gershon on Lifetime Television take on Donatella Versace in House of Versace! I can’t wait! In the meanwhile, who’d you rather: Gianni by Gianni Versace chainmail or Donataella for Versace chainmail? Learn more about these two iconic dresses
here.
-Cameron
Iconic Versace dresses by Gianni Versace and Donatella Versace, c. 1983 and 1999, respectfully. For more information click here
From chunky Dior knits to slick Burberry coats, from Chanel leather boots to vintage fur hats and dresses, Decades has you covered this Fall. Mixing vintage with modern we put together some looks to inspire you. This
Yves Saint Laurent vintage wool coat with a hood, it’s the perfect cozy piece that you will always wear, either over jeans for a cool day look or at night or the office with knee high boots. Refresh your closet this fall and invest on important outerwear pieces, leather boots and furs. You can shop the looks online now
here and thank us and your wallets later.
-Eri
Yves Saint Laurent wool coat with hood and silk lining, c. 1980′s. Modern size 4 to 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We have been so focused on the Spring 14 shows that is hard to remember that Fall is upon us. One of the biggest trends this season is feminine/masculine and plaid. Plaid and big coats were seen from Celine to Stella McCartney and in our archives Courreges from decades ago.
This wool Courreges double breasted coat is in perfect condition and can be worn buttoned all the way or simply over the shoulders for that cool look. Both coats are great but we bet anything that the Courreges comes at one tenth of the price. Which would you chose?
-Eri
Courreges plaid double breasted wool coat, c. 1980′s. Will fit all sizes.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
There is nothing wrong with fashion catch phrases plastered over tees, suits, bags, dresses and scarves. From the funny slogans at Henry Holland to the politically and socially charged ones at Westwood, designers have made their point many times with some humor or not. Why then is Heidi Slimane so upset at Colette for selling the funny tees “Ain’t Laurent without Yves”? As Slimane is missing the point, humor, Moschino has capitalized on it for decades. And as the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary, we celebrate fashion, humor and Moschino all at once with this 3 piece printed skirt suit. Tomorrow is another day. Better words have never been said.
-Eri
Moschino Cheap and Chic “Tomorrow Is Another Day” 3 piece skirt suit, Spring 1991.
Modern size 6 to 8.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
So much has been happening in Paris during Fashion Week. Raf did a stellar Dior. Schiaparelli announced their expected creative director, Marco Zannini. Rumors suggest that Marc Jacobs final Vuitton show could be imminent. However, the one thing I really wanted to attend was the opening of Azzedine Alaia’s retrospective currently on display at Palais Galliera.
I have spent many fun afternoons and evenings with Azzedine. Once he cooked me lunch with guests including legendary ginger model Bettina and Belgian beauty Hannelore Knuts. We have had dinner with my French “mamas,” too. Every time, I always bring Azzedine a vintage piece for his collection. Mostly from Claire McCardell. In return, he usually gives me a unisex clutch and I complain that he doesn’t make anything for men.
When I return to Paris for the January Couture shows I will certainly attend this retrospective and do note it closes on 26 January. You can always get your Alaia addiction on at Decades and this mock turtleneck viscose scuba dress with revealing net inserts at the hip, back, and arms is ready for you to blur some lines. View more Alaia from Decades
here.
Alaia black cotton/viscose blend net dress, c.1980′s. Marked size small, modern size 4-6.SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Denim has defined Americans from the invention in 1873 to this day. Whether unpretentious, over the top, comfortable or haute couture, denim is always reliable. Over the years, the love for denim took over Europeans and the rest of the world and it changed fashion for ever. As seen on runways all over the world to street style, denim is everywhere. If you want to be comfortable, denim is for you but if you want to be noticed than this is the jacket for you. Having Michael Jackson as a client and currently serving 175 years long jail sentence, the man behind this creation is as controversial as any conversation you will start while wearing this piece.
-Eri
Tony Alamo Denim and studded jacket, 1987. Marked size small. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I really wish Smörgåsbord wasn’t a Swedish word as it perfectly describes the epic collection of Austrian-born, but LA-bred Rudi Gernreich’s large collection. This is a Smörgåsbord of Rudi from one owner that gives examples of so many of the iconic designs of Gernreich including
A-line shapes, color blocking, nutty knits, minis, men’s wear, mixed patterns, school boy looks….etc. The list goes on and on so give yourself a serving of our favorite dishes by Rudi Gernreich!
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear mini dress, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear V- neck mini dress, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress with scarf, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear bell sleeve mini dress, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear mini dress, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear skirt suit, c. late 1960′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear skirt suit, c. late 1960′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear skirt suit, c. late 1960′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear, red and black color block matte jersey long sleeve gown, S/S 1972. Marked size 10, modern size 4. SOLD
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear tank top dress matte jersey, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress with layered detail, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress, Fall of 1973. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress, c. late 1960′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress, c. late 1960′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress, c. late 1960′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress, c. late 1960′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear three piece, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress, c. late 1960′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear long sleeve mini dress, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear 2 piece pant and tank wool knit, c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear, color blocking wool knit mini dress with leggings, Fall 1967. Marked size 10, modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
No matter what she wears, she captivates. She is not driven by trends, she creates them. The skinny jeans, the boho chic tops, the flat boots, the vests, the denim cut offs, and the famous retro sequin dresses, Kate Moss has inspired and continues to do so. It is her cool attitude and innate style that make her different and definitely a style authority. She has inspired many artists and photographers as well and that is what Christie’s is celebrating, a collection of art inspired by Kate Moss which goes on live auction on September 25th. With photographs from Craig McDean, Chris Levine and Allen Jones, Kate Moss has been captured by many artist creating striking images. Like the Asher Penn photographs of Kate Moss that are featured in our latest windows at Decades created by the amazing Jeff Snyder and Jarred Cairns. The art pieces come to us from Cameron Silver’s personal archive and they will be on display at Decades for a limited time. Cameron too is a Moss fan and inspired by her coolness.
Kate Moss inspires us at Decades everyday and with that feeling we put together a collection of pieces that Kate would wear. You can shop it
here on our website. Some of the pieces featured on our window are
Tom Ford for
Gucci sequin dress,
Nina Ricci powder blue fur, vintage leopard fur,
Stella McCartney pant suit and
Judith Leiber Swarovski evening bag and more.
Stop by to check out the windows and click
here to own something that would make you look as cool as Kate!
-Eri
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We loved it and it conquered us. As is the magic of Decades, a wonderful woman from Santa Barbara was visiting the store yesterday and asked for coats. Eri pulled the coat and showed it the enchanting client and the rest is history: now in a Santa Barbara closet. Gone. Gucci. Gone. We may sell on line, but our heart and soul is in brick and mortar.
Gucci suede coat, c.1970′s. Modern size 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The stunning Lisa Rinna in vintage Halston from Decades at the 2013 Creative Arts Emmy’s red carpet. Lisa is chic in vintage and you can never go wrong with Halston.
Halston one shoulder black and white evening gown c.1977. Contemporary size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We talked about the Hermes Kelly bag but let’s not forget the younger sister and stratospherically successful one, the Birkin. Launched in 1984, and named famously after Jane Birkin, the Birkin is a revised haut à courries or HAC, with larger handles and larger opening. The Birkin HAC still exist and we have one just for you in an amazing color, aubergine, slightly used and with gold hardware. With an amazing price tag, it is hard to not buy this one. A working woman today needs bigger bags as they carry their work ipads, lap tops, make up bags, and sometimes diapers. Whatever you need for a day out of the house you can fit it very comfortably in either Birkin or its fraternal twin Birkin HAC.
-Eri
Hermes Birkin HAC 36cm in Togo leather in aubergine with gold hardware, 2011. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The sac à dépêches, later named the Kelly bag, was introduced in 1935 and owners at the time included Marlene Dietrich and Ingrid Bergman. This Hermes bag became famous in 1956 when Grace Kelly, then Princess of Monaco, was photographed for the cover of Time magazine shielding herself with her Kelly bag. Our Kelly below comes from that same era, the glamourous fifties, it has no shoulder strap as that was added in the seventies, has a slightly larger handle and comes in a beautiful cognac color with gold hardware. If you need a bag to have for life invest in a classic Kelly. Because of their commitment to quality, artisanal craftsmanship and fully family owned, Hermes remains the number one producer of luxury goods. Quite an achievement considering their first customer was a horse.
-Eri
Hermes Kelly 35cm chamonix leather in cognac with gold hardware, c. 1950′s.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
These two Hermes bags just in; the black Birkin HAC has a few scratches but considering the leather is Berenia, it can be restored to brand new condition with just one spa visit at Hermes. The white Kelly is in near perfect condition. Bags do not come with dust bags or boxes.
Hermes Birkin HAC 32cm in Barenia leather with brushed palladium hardware, 1999.
Hermes Kelly 32cm in agneau leather with gold hardware, 1991.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This weekend was very nostalgic for me. I watched a PBS music series about the history of the American Songbook and then went on a YouTube frenzy watching archival films of everyone from Dolores Gray to James Cagney. While being on this culture high and watching everyone from Fred Astaire dance to Sinatra sing, I was really struck by how talented people USED to be. I mean they could act, sing, dance, and looked amazing without a bevy of stylists or make-up and hair artists at their disposal. In other words, remember when you had to be talented to be famous? Sure we have great stars today who can twerk at the same time as letting their tongue hang out of their mouth, but remember when stars really shined bright like diamonds?
A lot of them had the extra glitz because of costume jewelry and Miriam Haskell always made some of the finest pieces. These sea blue glass and diamante earrings may not give you the pipes to belt like Merman or the grace of Ginger Rogers, but a little a little glimmer of glamour goes a long way.
I leave for a fashion week frenzy so I won’t be blogging on the Decades site BUT do follow me on
Twitter and Instagram for my amusing
bon mots from the front rows.
-Cameron
Miriam Haskell blue earrings, c.1940′s. Length 2.5 inches.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
It’s always time for love when wearing a vintage Schiaparelli faux ruby Swiss watch. The original owner of the watch loves our blog and sweetly created a blog post for this watch so here is our first guest editor post by “Madame X”:
“This elegant Schiaparelli gold-tone Swiss watch bracelet is covered with three rows of red rhinestones in the shape of flowers. There are twenty-one flowers with six stones each linked together by a single stone for a total of one hundred and sixty stones. Opened at the watch, the bracelet slips on the wrist with ease. The bracelet’s exquisite floral design is reminiscent of Schiaparelli’s iconic spring motif. This motif is celebrated in jewelry pieces of the Schiaparelli Collection housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, where the world famous Met Gala Benefit is held annually. The Gala celebrates the opening of its spring exhibition drawing luminaries from the fashion and entertainment industries.”
Okay my job is done. What time is love?
Elsa Schiaparelli Swiss watch bracelet with red rhinestones, c. 1960′s. Diameter 7′.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Irene Lentz dressed some of the greatest film icons of the 20th century:
Ginger Rogers
Hedy Lamar
Claudette Colbert
Carole Lombard
Ingrid Bergman
Loretta Young
Doris Day
Lana Turner.
If the icons above aren’t endorsement enough that Irene Lentz knew how to design a great dress, what could be better than a ménage a trois of Irene’s custom gowns that were made for a family friend and are now available at Decades. All three dresses are a modern size 8 to a small 10 and exude the glamour of Irene’s designs from the 1940s and 1950s.
The black satin evening gown gathers at the waist with a dramatic bustle. Just add diamonds. The black satin scoop evening dress with bronze floral skirt is minimal but with maximum sophistication. Finally, the sari silk turquoise cocktail dress with silver embroidery is patiently awaiting Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks to make it come to life. I am mad for these dresses, no pun attended.
Irene black silk satin evening dress, c. 1950s. Modern size 8 to small 10 SOLD
Irene black silk satin evening dress with bronze floral skirt, c. 1950s Modern size 8 to small 10
Irene turquoise sari silk cocktail dress, c. 1950s Modern size 8 to small 10
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Do you ever have “fat” days? You know the days when you just don’t feel 100% chic because your colonic practitioner called in sick, so your tummy isn’t as taut and flat as Miley’s, but you can’t call in sick and say to your boss “I’m having a fat day,” so when the going gets tough put on some Issey Miyake. Managing to be both sophisticated and ultra-comfy without looking like an adult-sized onesie, this linen pinstripe jumpsuit has a front bib to cover the bloat and adjustable shoulder straps so you can show as much decolettage as you care to show. I actually would love to see this worn in Aix en Provence with a big floppy hat and a pair of espradrilles in a last hoorah to summer. Although linen may scream summer, truth is this will be very wearable through September and October especially during LA’s Indian summer. You can look chic when you feel more schlep.
Issey Miyake linen jumpsuit with shoulder straps, c.1980′s. Marked size M, modern size 4 - 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Adrienne Vittadini was the epitome of NYC fashion sportswear chic with a European flair in the 1980s and early 1990s. I remember she had a store on Rodeo Drive and I always thought Vittadini was the American answer to Sonia Rykiel. (Vittadini was actually born in Hungary.) We’ve never sold a piece of Vittadini at Decades before, but this caught my eye as I was going through a large collection in NYC a few months ago. With graphic color blocked geometric graphics in sequin this mini with scoop back gives good dress. So Mrs. Vittadini, I hope you are proud to be part of the Decades esteemed collection of 20th and 21st century designer clothing. You may be known primarily for sweat suits way before Juicy got their hands on the genre, but you also are now known as being a Decades-loved createur and ya won a Coty award, too!
Adrienne Vittadini multi colored sequin mini-dress, c.1980s. Marked size S, modern size 4-6.
SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I didn’t watch the MTV Music Video Awards, but I saw the photos. I found the entire fashion parade fairly uninspiring and mostly nauseating. Everyone just tries so hard. My goal for a chic Decades woman is “don’t try too hard this fall”. Effortless and elegant is always sexy and always on trend. James Galanos knew this all too well. This latte satin long sleeve mini tunic with car wash pleats is a little Gatsby, a little Farrow, and totally chic. A subtle statement is sometimes the boldest of all. Imagine this dress with a pair of Saint Laurent T-straps and you have the perfect fall transitional dress for NY Fashion Week that is effortless and doesn’t induce nausea. I will be in NYC for Fashion Week so make sure you follow my Twitter and Instagram for immediate images with witty bon mots direct from the front row.
James Galanos satin mini with long sleeves, c. late 1970′s. Modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Christian Dior, Pierre Balmain, and Jacques Fath are credited with saving French Haute Couture following the end of World War Two. Fath presented his first collection in 1937 and never shuttered his house during the war (although he did spend a brief spell as a prisoner in 1940). His clients during the war were Germans, black marketers, and the ultra wealthy collaborators. Miraculously his reputation wasn’t tarnished and he became an international brand following the war. In 1945, Diana Vreeland famously asked an assistant to bring back a fabric rose from Paris to prove that French Couture had survived the war. The Couture and Fath survived.
This LBD from 1949 epitomizes “the chic young Parisienne” which became the hallmark style of Fath’s work. Perhaps not as innovative as Dior, Fath did know how to highlight a client’s curves with fitted waists and molded busts. Plus, he was apparently a real charmer and he and his beard/wife, the former model and Fath muse, Genevieve Boucher de la Bruyere, threw fabulous parties.
I will personally guarantee that this dress will make you chic, perhaps young, and was made in Paris.
Jacques Fath Haute Couture black wool cocktail dress, 1949. Modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
photo by Tiffany Rose
The beautiful Stacy Keibler in a fresh sexy resort look incorporating vintage and modern pieces all from Decades, attending Disaronno screening of William Wyler’s “Roman Holiday” at a private residence in the Hollywood Hills on August 23. Stacy like a real life goddess in vintage Yuki dress, vintage Yves Saint Laurent bracelet and clutch and Charlotte Olympia shoes.
To purchase the look please contact us at www.shopdecadesinc.com
For more info on the dress click here: Yuki gold goddess dress.
For more info on the bracelet click here: Yves Saint Laurent gold cube bracelet.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Can you covered up head-to-toe and still look damn sexy? Yes, you can! This Diane von Furstenberg sky blue jersey wrap top and maxi skirt with butterfly motif will show every curve while still making you look a bit chaste. The brilliance of the wrap is that you can reveal as much or as little of your bust. Plus this is two pieces so wear it together or the skirt with a tank and denim jacket. The top would be chic with a pair of slim Audrey-length capri pants. I know this seems very summer as we focus on fall, but I am in Malibu this weekend and I am working every last drop of summer until NYC Fashion Week!
Diane von Furstenberg jersey butterfly 2 piece wrap, c. 1970′s. Modern size 4. (no label)
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
During NY Fashion Week, don’t be surprised if you see me hauling a backback from show to show. I stay with my friend Rod in Harlem and between shows I often change (sometimes in alleys) because well, it’s fashion week, and the world needs (like a hole in its head) fresh looks from “Baby Cam Cam” which I procure from my massive and heavy backpack. Regretfully most men’s clothes won’t fit in a zip-lock bag, but an ultra light Leonard jersey dress will! Imagine having a dozen of these in your tote and just changing for 12 shows in one day? That would be so clever. Alas, we only have one Leonard jersey dress of which we can offer you, so enjoy this totally MOD and modern way of dressing. Boots or heels or sandals, a season-less and weight-less was to dress by Leonard.
Leonard multi print mini dress, c.1970′s. Modern size 4 to 6
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Rarely we veer off the “only vintage on the blog” policy. And those are the times when something special and luxe arrives at Decades. We couldn’t resist this Bottega Veneta Memory Cabat bag, a Limited Edition only sold at Bottega Veneta boutiques with a sterling silver plaque inside. The leather is filled with a memory form, which allows the bag to come back to its original shape after placing it anywhere or filling it out to over maximum capacity. It requires a lot more hours of hand work and four times more nappa leather than the usual intrecciato style, to create this beautiful, soft and durable bag. It is not cheap but as a very cool American lady who loves Spanish slangs would say: It’s a ganga!!
-Eri
Bottega Veneta cioccolato intrecciato memory Nappa Cabat bag with sterling silver Limited Edition plaque. It measures 10″H x 7.5″W x 16″L.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
If you have great legs, this is your dress. If you are artsy, this is your dress. If you have a broad rib cage, this is your dress. What is this dress? Pierre Cardin Haute Couture from 1979 with a silver leather band attached to waves of textured organza in the lightest shade of mint. The rib cage will fit a size eight, but can easily be taken in for a smaller bust. I just see this on someone with terrific legs who won’t be flustered when Bill Cunningham suddenly starts snapping away at your and your pic ends up in his The New York Times column on Sunday.
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture mint strapless dress, 1979. Modern size 8.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Spruce up your fall wardrobe with a great vintage Gucci handbag. Not an “IT” bag that has been gifted to celebrities and editors in the last months that suddenly turns up on blogs and weeklies as the must-have bag of the season, but a bag no one else will have that will cost you a lot less than the current bag phenom: the W by Louis Vuitton which is featured in advertisements with Michelle Williams and conveniently on the arm for the paparazzi when Reese Witherspoon is strolling through Brentwood or SJP steps out of a SUV in NYC.. That bag starts at $3750. You can buy all six of these Gucci bags for way less and you won’t see yourself coming or going or the knock-off versions on the corner of 5th and 57th! I love Louis Vuitton, but I also love things that separate you from the pack!
Gucci Bags
Burgundy snakeskin, c.1970′s. 1.5 x 7.5 x 10
Brown leather “Jackie O” bag, c. 1970′s. 1.5 x 8 x 13
Burgundy leather with gold GG chain, c.1970′s. 3 x 8 10.5
Burgundy suede and leather, c.1970′s. 2.5 x 8.5 x 9.5
Black leather with horse bit clasp, c.1980′s. 3.5 x 9 x 12
Chocolate brown leather shoulder bag, c. 1980′s. 3 x 10 x 14.
Black canvas with tan leather trim shoulder bag, c.1980′s. 2 x 8 x 10.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We have two classic Hermes bags that just came out of the epic storage facility of a family that has devoted not one, but two work spaces to a collection in the tens of thousands composed of clothes and accessories. The pieces date as far back as the 1940s from the great Hollywood designer Irene; up to the early 1990s. The Hermes collection is vast. We have been selling the family’s Hermes leather goods over the last few months and they have all found great homes. The 35 cm chocolate Kelly and patent leather Constance are from this impressive collection. The brown Kelly has a little wear on the handle and a scratch here and there, but it’s priced in a very friendly way. A lady who lunches can afford to take her friends to lunch with the money she will save on this bag. The key doesn’t open the lock, but that’s a quick fix as Hermes will provide a correct key (that’s a casualty of having 100 plus Hermes bags - locks and keys get separated). The Constance is only for a rock ‘n roll Hermes lover as the patent leather has some serious ”stretch marks” although the hardware is looking wonderful. A lady who lunch need not apply.
Hermes Kelly brown 35 cm, c. pre 1972 Stamped Hermes Paris. (lock does not match key) SOLD
Hermes Constance black 23 cm. Stamped L, 1982. (in rock ‘n roll condition) SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
If you don’t have an Alaia floor length dress in your closet that could fit in a zip-lock sandwich bag you are clearly suffering sartorially. A 21st century Wonder Woman needs an evening dress that’s light and smushable for when she has to suddenly twirl from work garb to evening wear in a New York Minute. This Azzedine Alaia makes the transition easy. Seriously, put it in a zip lock bag at the bottom of your purse along with some statement earrings and your boldest red lips. Change in a gas station bathroom (keep your Atwood heels on pa-leeze), put on the above, and your transformation to ultra-glam is complete. I should write a self-help style book. By the way, it’s Alaia and it clings, so make sure you are either toned or have the proper under-garments to create the illusion of a toned physique.
Alaia black long sleeve gown of acetate, c.1980′s. Marked size S, modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This year was all about the come back of big earrings. As seen on all major runways they came in many styles, from chandeliers at Balmain to Byzantine inspired at Dolce and Gabbana. but one house remains as the number one to-go-to for costume jewelry and especially big earrings; Chanel. These vintage chandelier earrings with pearls and Gripoix multicolor stones set on gold baroque style pendants, make it clear that when it comes to jewelry big is beautiful.
-Eri
Chanel chandelier earrings, c. 1970″s.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This fall we will be doing a very special collaboration with the storied Italian accessory and ready to wear house Roberta di Camerino. I can’t share the details yet, but let’s just say we will “totally” be your resource for chic bags come November. In the meanwhile, we have some lovely RDC RTW in the form of these three silk blouses with full sleeves and gathered shoulders. You know how I feel about a great blouse: blouse, pair of jeans, great shoes…throw on a bold accessory and handbag and you are pretty much dressed chic for almost every occasion. So what’s not to love about these three Roberta blouses with a tonal textured weave of stripe through the fabric? Buy all three. You will thank me!
Roberta Di Camerino silk blouses in Black, Pink and Khaki, c.1970′s. Marked size M, modern size 4 to 8. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The oeuvre of Pierre Cardin is quite vast. Clothing from his first years designing are reminiscent of his time working with Balenciaga. In the 1960s he took us on a journey to outer space with his futuristic fashions. In the 1970s, Cardin softened and some of my favorite examples of his work remind me of classical Goddess dressing. Of course if you didn’t want to wear Cardin, you could probably wash your clothes in a Cardin-licensed washing machine as his name has been spread across something like 1000 products. This oyster silk charmeuse and black velvet gown is from 1979 and evokes his softer side. It’s a rather clever design. The black velvet waist band is ultra figure-flattering and narrows the torso as well as lengthen it. The top and bottom can disguise a myriad of “things” be they flaws or things you just don’t want to show. I am thrilled because this isn’t a baby size gown. At Decades we love ALL women! Everyone gets to be chic and sexy.
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture cream silk pleated gown with black velvet bodice, 1979. Modern size 8-10. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I am unequivocally and totally addicted to Instagram. I live vicariously through many people’s lives via their photos and mini films. I post often too. Lately, everyone seems to be in St. Tropez and in something jersey with a terrific tan. If this were St. Tropez in the early 1980s and Instagram had existed (imagine what we would see!) I have a feeling it would not have been out of the question to see a PYT in this Angelo Tarlazzi dress of rust jersey and gold lurex doing some move approved by Deney Terrio. Dance Fever!
Angelo Tarlazzi burgundy and gold, c. early 1980′s. Marked size 40, modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This dress has been worn by Chloe Sevigny and was purchased by a collector of vintage a few years ago, but I always wanted this dress to have a second chance! Fortunately, this very chic collector did a little edit of her fine closet and I can retell the store of this Technicolor dress. In an homage to Madame Vionnet, this Paco Rabanne dress breaks from the traditional pieces of Haute Couture that we expect from Paco. There are no discs and no outlandish metal work, the hallmarks of Paco style. For that reason this dress is an extremely rare and unusual dress that is a runway sample. It is from 1979 and is a geometric and colorful printed silk dress.
Paco Rabanne Haute Couture, 1979, multi color gown in homage to Vionnet. Flexible size SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Coppola e Toppo, a due of brother and sister from Italy, rose to fame right after War World II, when Elsa Schiaparelli commissioned them to work on a jewelry line for her brand. Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain, Jacques Fath, Jeanne Lanvin followed. Today Coppola e Toppo pieces are highly collectible. It is easy to understand why. Worn by itself with a little black dress this bracelet is sure to start a conversation.
Eisenberg started in the twenties in Chicago making very expensive high end jewelry. Artists like Picasso and Miro collaborated with the house on designing some of the enamel pieces. Very collectible and refined this art deco inspired pin comes from the 70′s. Swarovski crystals set on sterling silver will make for a beautiful addition to any fur or winter coat this fall.
-Eri
Coppola e Toppo faux crystal bracelet, c. 1960′s. SOLD
Eisenberg art deco inspired pin c. 1970′s.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
When the temperatures rise, it becomes a challenge to be elegant. Also, who wants to sweat in your finery? Answer, a vintage Louis Feraud cotton voile print dress with stylish ruffle sleeves, a sash belt, and mandarin collar that buttons to the gathered waist. You will wear this with boy shorts and a pretty bra - or - a slip, because it’s really sheer. There is no excuse not to look chic. Summer dress-ing by Decades.
Louis Feraud abstract floral dress with belt, c. early 1980′s. Marked size 38, modern 4 to 6
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We received an eclectic box of clothing from a fashionable woman in Florida yesterday which included a Geoffrey Beene lace blouse/tee-shirt, some ornate Chinese embroidered jackets, and this chiffon Valentino dress. Eri didn’t seem quite that enthusiastic about it when sorting through the box, but I said “try it on.” She changed her mind quickly as the purple base with golden flowers is the perfect season-less evening dress in sophisticated hues with adjustable shoulder ties, and a slit that means business. Moral of the story, “try it on.” I suggested just that with a young mom shopping early today who wasn’t sure about an unworn Marc Jacobs jacket in the style of Chanel with stripes of pearls cut into various seams. She tried it on and I was right. That’s why I get paid the big bucks!
Valentino boutique silk gold and navy wrap around dress with adjustable shoulder strap, c. 1970′s. Marked size 12. Will fit modern size 4 to 8. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Coco Chanel famously declared that before you leave the house take one piece of jewelry off. She may have been right but the opposite works as well. If you pile up lots of pieces that you love, they will find harmony and make a statement. Play up your face this fall with oversized jewelry to bring the attention where it is needed. With collector pieces like these from Chanel to Eisenberg, you can never go wrong.
-Eri
Gripoix flower pin in purple and green glass stone, c.1980′s.
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL brooch with glass stones, c. 1980′s.
Chanel pin with Gripoix stones, 1993.
Eisenberg peacock pin sterling silver with purple Swarovski stone, c.1940′s.
Eisenberg peacock pin sterling silver with blue Swarovski stone, c. 1940′s.
Karl Lagerfeld flower pin with pearl trim, c.1980′s.
Chanel charm belt, 1993. Length 29″.
Chanel chain and leather belt, c.1990′s. Length 34″.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I once knew a woman who only wore teal. She wore teal dresses, hats, shoes…it was her signature and I must say that I thought I had experienced enough teal on one person to last me a lifetime. However, I was wrong. Arriving today is the very chic and lady like crepe teal Pauline Trigere dress that is refreshing in a bright teal and executed with the designer’s attention to details with beautiful bust darts and seams at the neck — the kind of things people just don’t do today, but the connoisseur clients of Decades always appreciate. With a coordinating belt that literally ties the look together, please don’t wear this with teal pumps.
Pauline Trigere wool crepe teal dress, c. 1960′s. Modern size 4 to 6
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I have been so excited about our Ronaldus Shamask archive. These designs were all made in the 1980s and most are the actual prototypes that earned Shamask both COTY and CFDA awards in 1981 and 1987, respectfully. What I find particularly fascinating about the collection is how progressive and visionary Shamask’s designs display in terms of minimal modernity and architectural sportswear. You can see from our comparison pictures below that the Shamask aesthetic is certainly reverberating on today’s runways: oversized masculine shirting, pajamas, midriff baring ensembles, asymmetric color blocking, athletic-wear inspired luxe “sweats”….etc. The list goes on and on. Shamask is an underdog and deserving of renewed recognition and appreciation as a true innovator of American luxury sportswear. His clothes come alive so beautifully from hangar to body. We are having a Shamask moment and so should you. You can buy the collection here.
-Cameron
RONALDUS SHAMASK EXCLUSIVELY AT DECADES.
Maharajahs famously rode on elephants in elaborate processions in India decked in jewels. This Chanel dress would not be appropriate for such a grand road trip, but the whimsical elephant print on navy silk and crown gilt buttons makes for a very chic chemise dress with cap sleeves and stylish skirt that is enhanced with a second layer of silk like a reverse apron. This can be worn rather sexy if you leave some buttons undone. Just don’t lose those buttons!
Chanel elephant print silk dress, c. 1980′s. Marked size 40. Modern 6 to 8
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Truthfully, a wide red croco belt by Judith Leiber can save the day…or at least your outfit. The power of a bold accessory like this versatile and adjustable belt from the 1980s means whatever you are wearing that may have been basic is suddenly transformed into something ballistic. I don’t advocate boring or basic, so put a belt on it!
Judith Leiber red crocodile wide adjustable belt, 1980′s. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The accessory business is serious these days. I am confident luxury brands have focus groups to determine if newly-designed bag will be a hit with customers months before producing the design en masse. Being an IT bag isn’t what it is cut up to be! The luxury business does not take its handbags lightly, but thankfully these three bags are functional and festive. The Moschino bag pokes fun of a Hermes Kelly. The Charles Jourdan is sleek and sexy, which in my book is something that makes me swoon. The Salvatore Ferragamo bag has you covered in primary color-blocking to match just about everything in your wardrobe. I like accessories that make a statement. These three vintage bags from the 1980s follow my accoutrement advice: be bold, make them swoon, and never let them see you sweat. The Moschino and Ferragamo bags are mini-me sizes, so what they don’t have in girth, they certainly deliver in style!
Moschino black canvas bag, c.1980′s. 2 x 5.5 x 7.
Charles Jourdan black patent with gold clasp, c.1980′s. 3.5 x 6.5 x 10.
Ferragamo multi color shoulder bag, c.1980′s. 1.5 x 5 x 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
A hammered silk halter gown from the 1930s with a dramatic train and sexy back is a pretty fabulous option for a black tie gala, don’t you think? Plus it’s the lightest blush of pink, a color so flattering on a myriad of skin tones. This is one of those “Old Hollywood” silhouettes that gets reinterpreted season after season on the world’s high-fashion runways. One could wear a modern version of this look, or, just be an original and wear the original. That’s what we are all about at Decades: we are fashion dictators not followers. You be the inspiration….
Glad to be back in LA!
Anonymous pink hammered silk gown, c.1930′s. Modern 4 - 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Everywoman wants a Chanel bag. From the simple 2.55 to the new Maxi, the quilted Chanel bag with a chain strap is the one designer bag that never, ever goes out of style. Everyone has tried to imitate it or fake it, but there is something so chic and cool about a simple Chanel bag that can not be duplicated. If you don’t have a Chanel bag yet, get your own favorite from this new bunch. Perfect way to start your collection.
-Eri
1. Chanel quilted leather shoulder bag in black, c.1980′s.
9 x 11 x 3 SOLD
2. Chanel quilted leather shoulder bag in white, c.1970′s.
7.5 x 9.5 x 2.5
3. Chanel quilted leather shoulder bag in brown, c.1970′s.
8.5 x 11 x 3
4. Chanel quilted leather shoulder bag in black, c.1980′s.
5 x 8.5 x 2.5
5. Chanel quilted leather stitched “CC” shoulder bag in black, c. 1980′s.
7 x 9 x 2.5
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The Hermes Kelly in clemence leather from 2007, is worn only one. It still has the plastic cover on the legs and closure. Comes with shoulder strap, lock and key. The other lovely Kelly is soft and has been worn a bit more. It doesn’t have a shoulder strap only lock and key. Two different bags with two different prices, one iconic look.
Hermes Kelly 35cm in clemence black leather with gold hardware, 2007. SOLD
Hermes soft Kelly 35cm in black with gold hardware, 1989.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Named after the head of riding department at Hermes, Evelyne has become a much sought after bag for being practical, chic, durable and above all for its understated look and price tag. Designed to carry stable equipment in 1978, Evelyne only became popular after the 90′s. In a time when we need both hands to text and instagram, a shoulder bag is the perfect choice. This is an Evelyne II featuring a non adjustable strap in canvas and no pockets. Also remember, it is chic to wear the logo on the inside.
-Eri
Hermes Evelyn II GM bag in red togo leather with gold hardware. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I fly to NYC tomorrow and was thrilled to find out the heat wave has broken. It is very difficult for a gentleman to look elegant while walking down Madison Avenue when the city feels like a sour substitute for hell when it is damn hot! The ladies have it so easy. They have Alaia and can be put together while letting a natural ventilation system do it’s job with deep plunges, free arms, short hems, and exposed backs. In contrast, I have to wear a suit, shirt, tie, and ill-advised to go commando. This gold print halter with two-tiered skirt gives the illusion of being a more substantial fabric that is heavy and textured, but is seriously so light and easy to wear. If I were packing and a woman of style with an Alaia-appropriate body, this would be a no-brainer. Reminiscent of Claire McCardell’s wrap dresses in the 40s and early 50s, Alaia has sex’d it for the super models 1980s. Oh this came from a pretty successful model of that era! It’s got good genes.
Alaia gold print silk wrap dress, c.1980′s. Marked 12, modern 4 to 6
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We would have posted four pre 1971 Kelly bags, but the Hermes Rouge Kelly sold before Jarred could shoot it! Here we present a ménage a trois of vintage Hermes Kelly bags that are priced attainable so if you know what’s right for you and your pocket book, one or all of these pocket books will be in your closet by sundown. I just sold the chicest Plume bag to my friend. I don’t think that made the blog either.
If you can pry yourself away from the non-stop royal baby coverage, call me, maybe.
Inshallah.
X
Hermes Kelly brown boxed leather gold hardware , 32 cm. NO KEY
Hermes Kelly black gold boxed leather hardware 32 cm. SOLD
Hermes Kelly white patent leather gold hardware35 cm.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Every brand seems to get revived as of late, but the queen of the goddess gown, Madame Gres, is on the side lines waiting for a date. I think some venture capitalist should bring her aesthetic back to life. The only way to wear Madame Gres in the 21st century is to buy something vintage like this navy and sea blue peonies printed silk ensemble of flutter sleeve tunic with high slit and what I call a modesty skirt. Simply lose the skirt and suddenly this tunic become a little kinky but need not be so if you add a pair of short shorts. As an ensemble its a wee too conservative for my taste. If you are looking for a NJB, wear this to a conservative Shabbat dinner and make plans when the last drop of Manishevitz has been relished for a rendez-vous with the cutest boy in the minion, drop the skirt, put on some wedges and let the slit do all the talking.
-Cameron
Madame Gres peonies print navy ensemble, c. 1970s Modern size 4 to 6
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
GILT PJS
In photography or filming, when you shoot a subject low, it creates a “hero” shot. Britney is giving us total hero fabulousness wearing this 90s era
Fendi sequin cami and flare bottom PJ ensemble, The paillettes are various shades of gold and bronze and this 70s inspired look is amazing together or would be fantastic separated: the cami under a blazer and jeans for a day look that sparkles. Try the pants with an over sized sweatshirt for an effortless look. I am personally obsessed with PJs and want the Vuitton Chapman and Valentino camo print pairs if you care to gift me :). You can buy this FENDI look
here.
Fendi ensemble in sequin flare pant and leather straps top, c. 1990′s. Marked size 40, modern size 4 to 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose
-Gertrude Stein, 1913 (published 1922)
Halston is a Halston is a Halston. Although I don’t want to use the Decades Blog to have a discussion on the law of identity, this Halston one shoulder rose print evening dress is what it is: a perfect 70s bias cut wisp of an evening gown reminiscent of Greek goddess classical dressing which brings us right back to the law of identity for all you Greek classical thought aficionados. This is yet another example of Halston’s effortless designs with a blown up rose print in a muted shade of apricot is what it is: great timeless design.
Halston one shoulder rose print chiffon dress with matching shawl, c.1970′s.
Modern size 0 to 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Back in the stone age when Decades opened in 1997,
Diane von Furstenberg initiated a buy back program to develop an archive of her tremendously iconic wrap dresses which occurred in tandem with the re-launch of her eponymous collection. Well, we all now what a massive success the DVF re-launch was and what a power house this luxury brand is in 2013. I can remember selling vintage wrap dresses to DVF for $200/pop back in 1997. I think her company offered private original owners only $50 a dress, but I am a savvy business man! Can you imagine the frenzy our massive collection of vintage wrap dresses we have recently acquired (many of which are “deadstock”/unworn) would have caused her archivist 16-plus years ago? There is something inherently magical about a wrap dress and I find truly flatters every body. These vintage wraps are affordable and are the originals that made the remarkable Diane von Furstenberg a true legend. How chic is that? A few more are posted
here,
Diane Von Furstenberg original wrap dresses from the 1970s.
Red Splatter print, 50%cotton- 50% Rayon. Tag marked 12, modern 4 to 8
Green Bamboo print, 50%cotton- 50% Rayon. Tag marked 14, modern 4 to 8
Brown Splatter print, 50%cotton- 50% Rayon. Tag marked 12, modern 4 to 8
Black Animal print, 50%cotton- 50% Rayon. Tag marked 12, modern 4 to 8
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
If you’ve been looking for anything patent from Hermes, you have to be very patient. In sixteen years of Decades, I recall just a handful of vintage Hermes patent bags that have come through our doors - one of which was a black patent Constance from Lyn Revson’s collection. I remember having a conversation one rainy day during Couture week with Candy Pratts Price about why Hermes doesn’t do patent anymore, too. Well, if you have been patient, imagine the home run with this Kelly bag: patent, white, 35 cm, gold hardware, 1960s. It’s no secret that white Hermes bags are on the MOST WANTED LIST. However, if you want patent, I don’t care how patient you are, there is no list. So buy this patent white Kelly and wear it after Labor Day, because fashion rules were made to be broken.
Hermes Kelly 35cm in white patent leather, c.1960′s. Very fine condition. No shoulder strap naturally because of the era creation. Eri not for sale! SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
When I was a little boy growing up in Beverly Hills (cue the harp), there was a corner on Rodeo Drive and Little Santa Monica Blvd that always had a certain awe to me. In the 1980s it was home to the Claude Montana boutique and I actually worked there on occasion since it was owned by legendary retailer Theodore Fink. The Montana boutique may not be there anymore, but it seems like that Rodeo Drive corner has been terrible luck for almost every retailer since! The last one to bite the dust was Missoni, but currently it serves as a location for the Saint Laurent temporary store. I’ve been thinking a lot about Montana since he more or less disappeared from the fashion landscape UNTIL two weeks ago in Paris when he mysteriously returned to design contributing three Haute Couture looks to Eric Tibusch’s runway show. I wasn’t familiar with Tibusch, but the fact he lured Montana out of retirement is no small achievement. Montana told the press that he would be back! Well, speaking of back, this Montana chocolate jersey gown has a delicious back that criss-crosses and drapes across the derriere. It is hardly typical of Montana’s notorious epic 80s shoulder pad looks, but all the more reason why I like it: it’s not obvious. As for brown, frankly, I have had issues about this color in the past, but there was a lot of brown on the Couture runways from Dior and especially Valentino. The thing with brown is you need to be extra chic and confident. Attributes which I think a “Decades Girl” understands perfectly well. Zanotti sandals. Statement cuff. Tracy Anderson arms. Your dress.
-Cameron
Claude Montana brown tank-top jersey gown, c. 1980′s. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
1965 was the beginning of a new era, the hippies with their trippy colored clothes, the long hair and retro clothes, in fringe and fur, synonymous with exuberance, challenged authority and they no longer wanted to look like their parents. It was the first time that high end designers were not dictating the trends, the young people in the street were. Hippies gravitated toward colorful, exotic and eclectic colors and fabrics. Quilting and tie-dye amongst other techniques, were seen on street kids and rock stars alike. Marian Clayden and Katherine Westphal. To celebrate the Hippie fashion
The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has curated an exhibit opening on July 16th, to which our very own Cameron Silver has donated an amazing ethnic inspired dress by Giorgio di Sant’Angelo pictured below.
To celebrate the Hippies and the new exhibit at the MFA we opened our Art to Wear archives of Decades and selected these two dresses from highly respected artists and fashion designers from California. Before Marian Clayden‘s collection of clothes was selling at Saks Fifth Avenue in the 80′s, she was an accomplished textile artist. The fine fabrics that she created dresses from were hand dyed in romantic colors and finished off with exquisite details such as beads and ethnic pendants just like in the rainbow dress below with the bias cut layers and matching headband in light chiffon.
Katherine Westphal ethnic tunic dress with patchwork quilted pink flower inspired by India, shows clearly why she is a famous artist who helped to establish quilting as a fine art as well as pattern and decoration in textiles. The dress reflects a California vibe of the seventies and made in light cotton is the perfect lounge or travel piece.
-Eri
Katherine Westphal pink flower patchwork and embroidery tunic dress in cotton, c. 1970′s. Will fit size 2 to 6.
Marian Clayden hand tie-dye chiffon dress with matching head band, Spring 1989. Will fit size 2 to 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
A nice transition from the everyday black bag these Hermes Birkins in chocolate and gold are the perfect all year around bags. The chocolate one in togo leather is in perfect condition and the gold one in box leather has been worn once and has acquired some slight marks on the bottom. They both come with dust bags, rain cover and original box.
Hermes Birkin 35cm in togo leather in chocolate with gold hardware, 2004. SOLD
Hermes Birkin 35cm in chamonix leather in gold with gold hardware, 2002. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
In the last Chanel Haute Couture show Karl Lagerfeld showed these tweed hats pined in the back of the models heads, reminiscent of halos over futuristic heads in juxtaposition with the unmistakeable traditional Chanel tweed. Cameron reporting from the runways, captured the hat moment at Chanel as seen below, a pic we borrowed from his Instagram. It brought to mind this amazing Chanel tweed hat we got recently, same structure and fabric reinterpreted for next fall. Of course the only difference between a new Haute Couture hat and the hat from Decades is the price. Shopping smart is being chic, and so is a Chanel tweed hat. And if you are not following @camerondecades on Instagram, you should. He will keep you fashion informed and entertained.
-Eri
photo by Cameron Silver @camerondecades
Chanel tweed hat in green, c.1980′s. Marked size 57 and it measures 21″.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
With all the couture shows well under way in Paris, Dior was the one that impressed me the most because of its modernity. Raf Simons questioned what couture is, its purpose in these times and suggested a new way to look and wear couture. It made me feel the same way as I always felt about Norman Norell‘s mermaid dresses from the 60′s. Well made, luxurious and modern.
Considered an American couturier, there is no doubt to the high quality of his craft, but the simplicity of the silhouettes and the currentness that he brought to a new decade, was what the new modern woman wanted and needed. As Raf Simons pushes forward at Dior, the fashion world can not ignore the questions that he is asking. What is hot about Haute Couture if it is not for innovative, beautiful and wearable clothes.
-Eri
Norman Norell mermaid jersey dress in gold paillettes, c.1960′s. Modern size 2 to 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Karl Lagerfeld is now synonymous with the house of Chanel. His last Haute Couture collection for Chanel shown yesterday was another success. But before bringing Chanel back to life, Lagerfeld left a mark at Chloe making beautiful creations that marked the most exhilarating period of Chloe. This dress is one of those creations. With silk chiffon skirt and sheer bell sleeves, a bow pinned at the hip and fully beaded paysage theme top, this dress is as close to couture as it can be. A shape defining silhouette at the time inspired by both the 20′s and 30′s, this dress is perfect for all the chic hippie girls who might have (or still could) date Mick Jagger.
-Eri
Chloe navy blue silk chiffon dress with beaded top and bell sleeve, c. 1980′s. Modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
When is a coat a coat and when is it a dress? Sometimes it is both. And then sometimes it’s beyond description. This James Galanos intricately beaded coat can be worn open with a camisole and tux pants; or, closed up as a dynamic long and colorful gown. Pieces like this are prohibitive to buy from today’s designers. Throw on a crystal and add a digit to the price tag. Leave it to Mr. Galanos to give us full on paisley sensational details in a mélange of colors that are thoroughly swirling! The ultra chic would wear this when feeling ill in their sick bed.
James Galanos beaded & sequined coat, c. 1960′s. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This Sunday, Versace will kick off the Haute Couture shows in Paris. I always love a Versace show for it’s hyper-sexy with pimped out colors that exude exceess. One of Gianni Versace’s signature fabrics used throughout his career before his murder in 1987, was metal mesh made by the Australian company Oroton. Oroton actually popularized the fabric in the 1960s and 1970s for men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. The Oroton metal mesh dress below is deadstock (unworn) from the early 1980s and is a simple slip dress in the most seductive of fabrics. One cannot hide anything in this dress as all is revealed as the mesh embraces every curve and crevice of your body. This is a very naughty slip dress. Anyway, can’t wait to see how Donatella uses the signature fabric of casa Versace on Sunday. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram as I will let you know before anyone else does!
Gianni Versace Oroton chain mail dress with green satin trim, c.1980′s. Marked size 40. Modern size 2 - 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
How was your summer solstice? Although I thought the solstice was Thursday (it felt like a long day), it turns out that Friday was even a longer day for me and officially deserves being known as the longest day of the year! When I think of summer, I think linen and raw silk. And how appropriate that these four identical Ib Jorgensen button down palazzo pant jumpsuits just came to Decades is watermelon, lime, and baby blue (is there a fruit this color?) linen and lemon raw silk. Now when I think of jumpsuits, I do not think of Denmark nor Ireland, but Jorgensen was born in Denmark and trained in Ireland opening his couture house in 1957 until its closing in 1994. All four jumpsuits feature tonal buttons, defined waist bands, and hip pockets. These are the perfect resort wear uniforms for those that resort. Probably not for a getaway in Denmark or Ireland, but perfect for something tropical where you can pick a lime or lemon from your bungalow’s window. Get Jet Set. Speaking of jet set, make sure you follow me on Twitter and Instagram as I will be posting a lot from Paris starting next Saturday at the men’s Dior show through the final Haute Couture shows on 4th of July!
Ib Jorgensen Watermelon linen sleeveless Jumpsuit, c. 1960′s. Modern size 4 to 6 SOLD
Lemon raw silk sleeveless Jumpsuit, c.1960′s. Modern size 4 to 6 SOLD
Lime linen sleeveless Jumpsuit, c.1960′s. Modern size 4 to 6
Sky Blue linen sleeveless Jumpsuit, c.1960′s. Modern size 4 to 6 SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
During a Decades event in New York City early this year I wore a black “parachute” dress that Cameron and I found in a vintage fashion expo. The dress had an extraordinary voluminous shape with batwing sleeves and buttons starting on the left shoulder and descending to mid thigh. I was in fashion heaven, not only because I am drawn to dramatic modern shapes but especially because this was
Ronaldus Shamask. I had never worn a Shamask piece and I always felt like it was the best kept secret. I wore the dress ignoring NYC freezing weather and had an absolute blast. Little did I know that by wearing this dress, in some way I would attract the fashion gods into bringing more Shamask into my world. Cameron was in talks with Mr. Murray Moss, The Moss in Shamask Moss. He had saved some runway samples from the early 80′s and wanted for them to go to young people who would discover and appreciate the brand. Now we have over 55 pieces at
Decades, from linen dresses and blouses, the silk two tone dresses with cut out details, kimono style coats, and silk pajama sets featuring his signature snaking seam. These two wool skirt suits feature the hidden seams revealing a color contrast and hidden buttons and side pockets. Ronaldus Shamask is and expert of stitching, which often involves minimal seams and a flow that naturally complements the human form. He is inspired by origami and architecture. As fashion is rewritten everyday, it is very important to know who the pioneers were. And it is also important to look and feel good. In Shamask you will experience that and the absolute feeling of being a fashion insider.
-Eri
Ronaldus Shamask wool skirt suit in red, Fall 1981,
Modern size 4.
Ronaldus Shamask wool skirt suit in black, Fall 1981.
Modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
If you are a Kelly woman, this 40cm Hermes Kelly is the perfect bag to take to a business meeting. This Kelly has been gently loved, but box leather ages well and a spa day at Hermes can make this bag look brand new. However we here at Decades do love the worn look on all the Hermes bags. It gives the bag and the carrier character. And more importantly you can’t beat the price.
Hermes Kelly 40cm in black box leather with gold hardware and shoulder strap. Missing lock and key and it comes with it’s original box. Stamped D for 2000.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Today is the summer solstice…the longest day of the year and the official start of summer! So bring on the linen. These Pauline Trigere dresses manage to be sharply tailored AND seasonally appropriate without being boring or basic or beach-y. The top dress is really a vibrant red (it looks so dull in the picture below) and the baby pink dress is pretty accurate. With a slight cap sleeve, two slits at each clavicle that lead to a bust dart, these 1960s dresses will never go out of style and always keep you in style. It’s the longest day of the year, so get dressed for it!
-Cameron
Pauline Trigere linen
Red sleeveless dress, c. 1960s. Modern size 6 to 8.
Pink sleeveless dress, c. 1960s. Modern size 6 to 8.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I thought Keira Knightly was a beautiful bride wearing a
Chanel jacket over her wedding dress. I think it’s a very modern way to do formal, also. That is why I proposed the YSL gold lurex gown with this Chanel jacket in our
previous post. I just think it’s very elegant and effortless way to get dressed up and a fresh alternative to a fur or the ubiquitous pashmina. This 1960s Chanel Couture jacket (designed by Coco Chanel) has a wonderful shades of gold lurex zig-zag pattern and gilt rope trim. Yes it’s great with jeans, but it’s also great over your gown, too. Chanel jackets…not just for your jeans anymore.
Chanel Haute Couture gold with rope trimmed jacket, c. 1960′s. Modern 6 to 8.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I love lamé. Possibly because in the 1970s as a kid there was always disco in the background, lamé just seems as practical to me as flannel to a grunge kid. This Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche sleeveless dress is pure gold lamé fantasy but isn’t a product of the 1970s disco scene. Designed for YSL’s Winter 1991 collection, the shoulder-padded gown has three rope buttons on the left shoulder that repeat at the left hip, too. There’s an optional gold leather belt that the original owner wore with this gown, too. I like the YSL styled with this 60s Chanel Haute Couture jacket (more info on that jacket tomorrow). Don’t you think it’s a very modern and cool way to wear vintage? Although it’s very vintage!
-Cameron
YSL gold lamé metallic gown, Winter 1991. Marked size 38, will fit modern size 4 to 6
Chanel Haute Couture jacket, c. 1960′s.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Once again, Decades is stopping traffic with our latest window designed by Jeff Snyder and “Dukes of Melrose” star Jarred Cairns. We are honored to have received the archive of
Ronaldus Shamask from his early 1980s collections with business partner Murray Moss. Pieces below are part of the Amsterdam born Shamask’s COTY Award Winning collection from 1981. Shamask may not be the most familiar name to our clients, but I remember selling his designs at Theodore around 1987 when he won the CFDA award. Shamask’s aesthetic is extremely architectural with brilliant seaming that makes what at first glance appear to be simple but is really very sophisticated. His fabrics are the finest natural linens and silks and although these pieces are nearly 30 years old, they are incredibly directional and modern. Come visit us at Decades or take a peak at some of his linen pieces on our
E-commerce site.
Shamask Original archive now available at DECADES
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I have never been to Capri but that is about to change as next month just after the Couture shows in Paris I am plane surfing to Capri and couch surfing at my friend’s house. I am excited to see Capri as my fantasy is that everyone is in Pucci 24-7. This 60s classic Pucci jersey shift with fun flapper lemon fringe is my ideal of what the chic women of Capri will look like. However, one needn’t meet me in Capri to be the epitome of resort chic! This is the dress that takes you through the summer day and night; flats and heels; sun and sunset. Throw it in a zip-lock bag along with a bikini, shorts, and some tees and you can pretty much get through a weekend in the Hamptons. However, I do hope to see you in Capri, too! What should I wear?
Emilio Pucci jersey and fringe “flapper dress” c. 1960s. Marked size 12, modern 6 SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Hermes has always been the brand with a policy of product not an image. The enduring quality of Hermes products are superior to all. Rejecting mass production has made possible for Hermes to refine each product with a lasting effect. Hermes might never change its logo or its stand on branding, but they are a brand nonetheless. Choosing Hermes we characterize who we are, what we have and what we dream of being and having. This shoulder Kelly is in great condition and known for practicality. The Trim bag is as functional as it is iconic, and what about the chicest weekender the Plume for both him and her. And if you are not in the market for a bag, we got you covered. The lambskin hand painted scarf is as extravagant as it is sublime. And for the horse owners; treat your horse as you would like to be treated. Whip the flies away from your horse’s face with Hermes. The horse might not know the difference, but you do.
-Eri
Hermes shoulder Kelly 40cm in togo leather yellow with palladium hardware, 2009. SOLD
Hermes Trim bag 31cm blue jean in togo leather with palladium hardware, 1998. SOLD
Hermes Plume bag 45cm in togo leather with gold hardware, 1997. SOLD
Hermes fly whip in red, c.1970′s. Length of handle 35cm. SOLD
Hermes fly whip in yellow, c. 1970′s. Length of handle 35cm.
Hermes lambskin shawl with leather fringe and handpainted feathers in gold. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I love Rudi Gernreich clothing. I love Rudi so much that I am the curator of the exhibit THE TOTAL LOOK: The Creative Collaboration between Rudi Gerrneich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton, which resumes its tour in 2015 at the Cincinnati Museum of Art, after a successful debut at MOCA Los Angeles, followed by SCAD Museum in Savannah. Rudi famously said “fashion will go out of fashion” but looking at these four examples of his Harmon wool knits, all I can think about is how fashionable they remain. How would you style these futuristic ensembles to make them thoroughly modern in 2013? They all come out of the same closet from a woman who wore them and took great care of them through the decades.
Rudi Gernreich
Red knit short dress yellow graphic c. early 1970′s. Marked size 10, modern 4 to 6.
Brown and Blue knit top and skirt, c. 1973. Marked size 10 modern 4 to 6. SOLD
Orange color blocking w/ legging, c. Fall 1967. Marked size 10, modern 4 to 6.
Cross-My Heart black and white dress, Fall 1973. Marked size 10, modern 4 to 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Get your mod on with this perfect Pierre Cardin black wool dress with large white vinyl tile and trim applique. It’s a guarantee this dress will never go out style, so add this to your collection and feel confident this is a day dress until the End of Days!
Pierre Cardin black and white dress with vinyl detail, c.1960′s. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
As many of you are aware the House of Courreges was purchased by Jacques Bungert and Frédéric Torloting last year from founders Andre and Coqueline Courreges. The new owners have re-launched the collection with some classic dresses, as well as, eyewear in partnership with Alain Mikli. It all looks very charming and super retro, but retro in a futuristic way. I am curious where Bungert and Torloting will take the brand. Will it remain in a time capsule or will a Creative Director come in and manipulate the codes into fresh designs? It’s in a bit of a time warp right now, but I find all the pieces still rather timeless. Courreges often made the perfect easy summer dress and this cotton canvas dress with nautical rope halter is from the 1990s revamp of Courreges. It’s a dress for espadrilles and a summer in Aix-en-Provence. However you don’t need to holiday in France to look effortlessly chic. This dress is for anyone this summer who wants to beat the heat in style; and I love the fresh neckline that manages to not look retro, don’t you think?
Courreges black canvas with rope detail, c. early 1990′s. Marked size 40, modern 6
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Marilyn Monroe would have turned 85 years old on 1 June. Perhaps her most famous dresses were those designed by William Travilla with the pleated halter neckline sketches and photos of the icon below so indelible in our memory that just looking at these images I can hear the roar of the subway swooshing up her dress. Travilla revisited his signature dress through the decades and we have three of them from the late 1970s in black, flame, and white, respectfully. I can’t guarantee you will be immortalized as Ms. Monroe was while wearing her Travilla gowns, but I do think these give Versace and Cavalli a run for the money! The black and white are satin crepe and the flame is a matte chiffon. Hello, JLO!
William Travilla iconic Marilyn Monroe Gowns
Black Satin gathered gown, c.1970′s. Marked size 12, modern 8 to10. SOLD
Red Chiffon gathered gown, c.1970′s. Marked size 12, modern 8 to10.
White Satin gathered gown, c.1970′s. Marked size 12, modern 8 to 10. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I’ve been tweeting about the CFDA Awards and my concern that American fashion seems really sleepy compared to the vibrancy and diversity of European fashion at present. If one were to review the winners of the CFDA awards over the last few years, one might think the US Fashion Industry is composed of less designers than fingers on my hands. That being said, I really hope the important work of the CFDA is broadened and we return to the excitement of American fashion that was generated in the 1970s when American sportswear reigned supreme and our evening wear was a fresh alternative to the stoic Parisian Couture. Think of this gorgeous John Anthony paillette long sleeve mermaid gown with mock neck and open back highlighted by an ombre skirt. Norman Norell may have made the mermaid gown his signature, but this John Anthony has its own spin on the classic epitome of second skin sensuality. Long Live American Fashion!
John Anthony mermaid gown in gray to blue sequins degradé, c. 1970′s. Modern size 2 to 4. (runway sample “Barbara”)
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The perfect Hermes Birkin 35cm in gold. It has been loved before and is missing the lock and key. It can be yours at a great price.
Hermes Birkin 35cm in gold togo leather with gold hardware, 2005. Missing lock and keys. Comes with original box, dustcover and rain cover. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
With summer fast approaching here are six options to dress up all your already planned minimal looks. Exotic skin or not, black or aqua, Yves Saint Laurent has you belted.
-Eri
Yves Saint Laurent ostrich belt in brown, c.1970′s. Measures 29″.
Yves Saint Laurent snake skin belt in aqua, c.1970′s. Measures 28″.
Yves Saint Laurent lizard belt in black, c.1980′s. Measures 30″.
Yves Saint Laurent black leather belt, c. 1980′s. Measures 29″.
Yves Saint Laurent in brown leather with gold buckle, c.1980′s. Measures 35″.
Yves Saint Laurent double loop buckle belt in sea foam, c.1980′s. Measures 33″.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I am a huge fan of Tom Ford’s work at Gucci and it’s amazing to think that this iconic jersey column gown with keyhole revealing gilt hardware suspended by a thong is from fall 1996. It could be coming down a runway today and still be heralded. As shot by Mario Testino and worn by South African model Georgina Granville in this famous Gucci ad campaign pictured below, the look continues to be modern, provocative, and ultimately timeless. I really do think it is one of the great dresses of the 1990s. We have just received the black version of this formidable gown which is a true collectible. Ford was definitely influenced by both Halston and Rudi Gernreich and this is a perfect example of Ford’s formidable work for Gucci. Do you agree this is the gown of the decade? It’s in my book by the way!
-Cameron
Gucci by Tom Ford jersey black dress with hip cut out detail and coordinating panties, Fall 1996. Marked size 40, 4 to 8 SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I am not a believer in basic or boring. Let me rephrase that. I have no problem with basic, but I just don’t like boring. Take for example this Givenchy silk dress. It’s very basic in it’s silhouette: a sleeveless scoop neck shift with a wide sash belt. However, it refrains from being boring because of the pop-ish primary floral print. Suddenly this day dress will have you day dream of running barefoot through a wild flower patch. Reality comes calling. Just wear this effortlessly through summer with sandals or princess heels and bring a little joy into everyone’s life around you since a flower a day, keeps the doldrums away!
-Cameron
Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique silk floral print dress, c.1970′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
When the temps go up the Pucci come out. And when we mean Pucci, it’s not just the luxe silk jersey, but also the licensed pieces for Formfit Rogers made in nylon that are durable against the elements of sand and sea. Throw this dove grey gown over your maillot and you can go from bain de soleil to Il Sole in the time it takes to button this dress up. True, these were originally made as lingerie pieces, but it’s the 21st century and no one will balk if you are unmentionables are showing.
-Cameron
Pucci Formfit Rogers night gown, c.1970′s. Marked size M. Modern size 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I will be at Bluebird Thursday May 30th
6 to 8 pm
signing copies of DECADES: A CENTURY OF FASHION
BLUEBIRD
1056 ALBERNI ST
VANCOUVER, B.C.
WWW.BLUEBIRD,CA
This Memorial Day, I suspect many of our American clients are in their backyards grilling up a storm. I am at Decades selling up a storm. I also wanted to blog something that is begging for some BBQ sauce to drip on it. Getting the sauce out of the dress is another conundrum, however. Giorgio Armani is not a label we often accept at Decades, but when it is right, there is no question as to why Mr. Armani’s business is a multi-billion dollar phenom. Yes he brought us the relaxed suit, but Armani is more than one who manipulates masculine codes in shades of wheat. This striped day dress wraps and sashes but also has a collar, strong shoulder, and slight puff to the sleeve. It’s the type of dress one wears to a Malibu BBQ with sandals, Aix in Provence cocktails with espadrilles, or to a luncheon at Michael’s with Manolos. It’s chic. Too chic for BBQ sauce!
-Cameron
Giorgio Armani red striped silk dress, c.1980′s. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
People constantly tell us that Decades is like a museum. However, you are able to BUY our collection. This Arnold Scaasi dress was featured in an Ohio State University Museum exhibition in 1998, but now we have it. Scaasi said this dress was made to uplift a woman’s spirit and when Eri tried it on (check out her Instagram for pics of it on her modeling said dress @flaneur_eri) she said it made her feel amazing, too. How can you not fall in love with this iridescent tomato red brocade strapless gown with a tulle bustle? It’s Cannes-tastic!
Arnold Scaasi red strapless gown with bustle, c.1980′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Whether you are a maharaja, Catherine Baba or Kate Moss, turbans have always made a fashion statement. From the 40′s film noir to 70′s YSL, to last year’s Chanel men’s turban, this head piece made of cloth is a status symbol to some and definitely a chic look for many women. These two turbans with drape custom made for Bullocks Wilshire in orange and chartreuse jersey, can dramatically change any plain outfit. Take a hint from one of the most stylish women, Loulou de la Falaise who was famous for her folkloric accents and especially her turbans. Turbans in any shape, are here to stay and when you are having a bad hair day, wearing a turban is an elegant and quick solution.
-Eri
Custom millinery Bullocks Wilshire turban hat in chartreuse jersey, c.1960′s.
Custom millinery Bullocks Wilshire turban hat in orange jersey, c.1960′s.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
From Coco Chanel to Diana Vreeland wearing matching cuffs has always been a statement of stylish women. Like armor worn on the wrists, the double cuff exudes power, it’s more chic and more expensive looking. These vintage Yves Saint Laurent in leather and bronze are the perfect stylish set of balance and eye pleasing symmetry. wear them with any outfit and they will add immediate glamour.
-Eri
Yves Saint Laurent bronze and leather adjustable cuffs in brown, Spring/Summer 1987. Width 2.5 inches.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This Paco Rabanne Haute Couture chain mail and disk multi color jacket is not for a wimp. The wearer needs to have a strong spine as it’s HEAVY METAL. The brave soul will wear this bare (please don’t have a hairy chest as those hairs will get stuck in the links!), but a bodysuit or beautiful La Perla bra will solve the problem. This is a show-stopper, so when you get an invite that says “Creative Black Tie” or “Festive Attire”, just throw this on and you will stop traffic.
I do hope you understand my hairy chest joke!
Paco Rabanne disc jacket c. early 1970′s. modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Many call Leonard the French Pucci, but both esteemed Houses have distinctive prints. In 1958, at the encouragement of Jacques Leonard, Daniel Tribouillard opened Leonard Fashions and by 1960 had secured a very unique printing technique. Eventually the orchid became the symbol of the house famous for it’s ultra light silk jersey dresses weighing just 150 grams! Leonard is not as ubiquitous as Pucci and hasn’t been able to be reborn as brilliantly as Peter Dundas has done at for the legendary Florentine fashion brand. However, Leonard still has a bit of an insider exclusivity which makes this velveteen jacket of marigold-based florals (Leonard is often inspired by Japan) so special. Just like the silks, this year-round velvet, is ultra-light weight and totally season-less. Perfect for brightening up any and every day!
-Cameron are you following me on Twitter?
Leonard print velvet coat, c. 1970′s. modern size 4 to 6
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Do you own a Chanel suit? Now, do you own a Chanel Couture suit? Next question, Do you own a Chanel Haute Couture suit designed by Coco Chanel. If you answered “yes” or “no” to any of the above questions, you need this suit regardless! Call me crazy but this is simply a stunning Chanel Haute Couture suit from the 1960s designed by Coco Chanel. It’s not a heavy wool boucle and is spring ready, but certainly festive enough for the winter. The three piece ensemble includes an iconic jacket and skirt along with a matching tank. There are so many ways to wear this suit. Naturally, as a total look it is the epitome of elegance. Split it up and the jacket can be paired with jeans or the tank with short-shorts. The skirt with a cashmere-silk Loro Piana twin-set makes these an essential for spring travel. This suit can be-to-cocktail and with the touch of gold thread I rather love the jacket over a gown. I even own a few men’s Chanel jackets so get with the program and get this Chanel!
Chanel Haute Couture cream silk and gold lurex suit, c. 1960′s. Modern size 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Summer is just around the corner and in order to dress up any simple outfit you will need bold jewelry. What better option than vintage Yves Saint Laurent, the master of color and statement pieces. Wear any of these necklaces with a simple tee shirt or a man’s crisp white shirt, and it will bring modernity and elegance to your look. No matter what your taste is or your favorite color, there is an options for all.
-Eri
Yves Saint Laurent necklace in tan and red wood beads with oval gold metal “cage” eggs. Spring/Summer 1989.
Yves Saint Laurent necklace with plastic nuggets in ivory, beige and tan with purple plastic “Maltese” cross and gold textured metal orbs, Spring/Summer 1985.
Yves Saint Laurent necklace with red glass caviar tube beads multi strand with five gold metal crescents, Spring/Summer 1984.
Yves Saint Laurent in metal gold and plastic in green and black beads, c. 1980′s.
Yves Saint Laurent painted “coral branches” inlaid with Swarovski crystals, mother of pearl and resin “nuggets”, Spring/Summer 1984.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The king of sequins and beads has done it again. This flapper style dress in art deco style beads and sequins from Bob Mackie comes with a matching head piece. You will turn heads, feel sexy and dance the night away. Daisy who?
-Eri
Bob Mackie beaded deco minidress with matching head piece, c. 1980′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Gianfranco Ferre’s designs walked the line between fashion and architecture, combining opulence with careful tailoring. Simplicity was his signature, like his famous simple white tailored shirts. In contrast, the Ferre woman was never simple, she was an Amazonian creature in high heels bursting with confidence and sex appeal. This mini dress smothered in caviar beads and crystals creating a liquid silver effect is far from the simplicity of the crisp white shirt. Be simple with styling it; just a pair of high heels and confidence and you are sure to make an unforgettable impression.
-Eri
Gianfranco Ferre knit mini dress with caviar beading and crystals, c.1990′s.
Will fit modern size 2 to 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
When I fly to Paris for Couture at the end of June for Couture I can’t wait to see the exhibit La Haute Couture à l’honneur à l’Hôtel de Ville de Paris. There are a few friends of Decades in the exhibit including this legendary Christian Dior Haute Couture gown from 1952, called le Palmyre. Much thanks to Fabio Maria Damato for sharing his iPhone shot from the exhibit he took last week.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
With all these calamities running around tonight’s Costume Institute Gala as to “what to wear” let me remind you that punk is easy…EASY CHIC. Franco Moschino understood this as evidenced by his slogan tee below which is similar to one of his looks in the above exhibition image from PUNK: Couture to Chaos. I am not attending this year, so don’t look for me on the red carpet. I deserve a night off and certainly had a big surreal moment last year with my custom Nicole Miller and Schiaparelli blowfish walking stick. It’s been fun commenting in every newspaper from the The New York Times to the London Evening Standard about what the elite set should wear to tonight’s gala. I doubt anyone will be punk enough to wear this Moschino mini tee, but it’s really all you need!
Moschino mini dress in jersey c. 1980′s. Marked size 8 fits modern 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Today is a good day to be rich. Actually, almost every day appears to be a good day to be rich! I am sure many a trader and trader’s partner is celebrating as the Stock Market hit new highs today. What to wear to celebrate? Givenchy Haute Couture straight out of Holly Golightly’s fashion rule book, of course! This LBD of hammered silk with boat neckline, gathered waist, scoop back, and seductive bow screams business in the front and party in the rear. I have a feeling there will be a lot of partying in the front AND back this weekend! Get as sloppy as you want, but still dress chic!
Givenchy Haute Couture silk dress in black, c.1960′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The MET gala is not the only fashion hype these days, with The Great Gatsby hitting theatres on May 10, and a spectacular New York premiere, the twenties are back. Not that they ever left, the fashion world has always been inspired and amused by this decade’s awesome dresses and accessories. With over the top feathers, beads, sequins in shift easy silhouettes, the champagne filled parties and the jazz, the twenties were definitely the most glamourous of decades. There will be many parties with a 20′s theme and you will be wondering what to wear. As Tommy Hilfiger said last night at The Great Gatsby premiere: “to avoid looking costumey, you’ve got to wear the real thing, wear vintage”. Wise words from someone who knows. This flapper dress comes from The House of Adair, which in the twenties made flapper dresses for North America. Based in Paris, The House of Adair made each dress different from the other, when you wore Adair you wore a one of a kind. The art deco detail in this dress is exquisite. With a Prada t-strap slingback sandal you will be the best dressed guest.
-Eri
House of Adair flapper dress, c. 1920′s. Will fit modern size 2 to 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Every few minutes a nervous Costume Institute gala attendee emails Eri or me and asks “what should I wear” to the MET gala with a theme of PUNK. In addition to guests, the press are hounding us on a proper dress code. Read New York Times Unequivocally, Vivienne Westwood IS appropriate for the gala as she is really the Fairy Godmother of punk fashion. This Vivienne Westwood gown might harken to Old Hollywood glamour mixing two shades of purple in crepe and velvet but with the right Mohawk, messy eyeliner and tough-girl jewels, you will be punk but couture without looking like a chaotic train wreck.
-Cameron
Vivienne Westwood velvet and crepe gown in purple, c. 1990′s. Will fit modern size 4 to 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
With Iggy Pop once as the face of the house and a legacy of making clothes out of unusual materials and with a taste for fetish, Paco Rabanne is an original punk. As the MET gala fast approaches and you are still wondering what to wear here are two stunning options for the inner punk in you. The feather and lace dress with cape is absolutely a show stopper. The piece is in perfect condition, with peacock feathers in a green hue weaved through the lace while the collar has the feathers placed straight up to cover half the face. It is very dramatic, high fashion and incredibly theatrical like the bird itself. As for the PVC gown that is Paco Rabanne at his Barbarella glory. The use of PVS alludes to fetishism, a tough and ballsy dress that begs to be shown off. It has a slight imperfection on the side stitch, but when one is wearing a dress like that we can guarantee you no one will be looking at the side stitch. Bring your punk attitude and celebrate the rebel in you.
-Eri
Paco Rabanne Haute Couture black peacock feather dress and cape, c.1990′s. Modern size 4.
Paco Rabanne Haute Couture black PVC gown with train, c.1990′s. Modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
hat
I am all about white this season, very high maintenance but worth every penny. It’s clean and chic and seems to be the trend right now. You can only imagine my excitement when Cameron came to the office with an array of white Hermes bags. Don’t ask me how he found such rare and out of production Hermes bags. It is a mystery that only Cameron can explain. I guess it is his charm and “nose” for Hermes that do the trick every time. There is a bag for every occasion and for every girl with either the market bag, the tote or the smaller one, with a hinge closure and a removable strap so you can carry it as a clutch as well. So wear white, because it looks great and your dry cleaner will thank you.
-Eri
Hermes white bag with hinge gold closure and removable shoulder strap, c.1970′s.
Measures 10.5′ wide, 2′ deep, 7.5′ high, 31′ strap length. SOLD
Hermes flat tote in white, c.1970′s.
Measures 15′ wide, 5′ deep, 16′ high. SOLD
Hermes market bag in white, c.1970′s.
Measures 10′ high, 10′x6′ base diameter.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Usually buying a Hermes bag is not a need, but not the case with the market bags. They are practical, chic, lightweight and multipurpose. Farmers Market on a Sunday morning, late lunch with girlfriends, short trips out of town or just a day of shopping. The market bag is the easiest to carry and has room for everything. The drawstring closure makes for easy access to reach and grab your phone or your make up case. Even though these bags come from two different decades, the style is the same, classic.
Hermes market bag is all you need and want.
-Eri
Hermes Canvas bucket bag with navy trim, c.1970′s. SOLD
Hermes Chocolate suede bucket bag, marked ‘O’, 1985. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We have a rather delicious vintage Hermes bonanza at the store including a slew of Kelly, Market, and many out of production bags; as well as, some outstanding ready to wear from the 1970s and 1980s all from a jaw-dropping fashionable estate. This spectator white and navy Kelly is the epitome of elegance. A white bag can be so tacky, but when it’s Hermes, a Kelly, and trimmed in navy it makes the current white pump trend a bit more acceptable. What say you of white pumps? Yay or Nay? Of a white Kelly, it is a yay yay yay!
-Cameron
Hermes Kelly 32 cm, two-tone white and navy. Pre-1971 no stamp. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We have some killer Paco Rabanne Haute Couture from the 1980s that just arrived. We haven’t photographed those pieces yet, but here is an early 2000s Paco Rabanne ready to wear chain-mail micro mini dress that I think is MET gala punk appropriate. The real daredevil will wear it with nothing underneath. Alternatively some La Perla might be more favorable when you do the receiving line and shake Anna Wintour’s hand.
Paco Rabanne chain-mail tank dress, c. 2000′s. Size 2-4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
It’s that time of the month for another window and Jean Paul Gaultier is this month’s flavor. The construction was somewhat simple in thought and it ended up sweet and a bit rough around the edges as a result. The idea was to keep it minimal and let the clothes speak for themselves. Enjoy….
-Jarred
Window design by Jeff Snyder and Jarred Cairns
A note from Cameron: we have around 600 pieces of Gaultier ranging the past twenty years from the AEFFE archive. May pieces are available to view on
www.shopdecadesinc.com and we encourage you to visit the store as we continue to document this historic collection.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This is the season of the midriff. If you’ve been living at Tracy Anderson, this is your moment! And what better way to show off a toned tummy…in Missoni. We have had the one-piece version of this famous multi color fringe and floral print, but quite magically the two piece has just arrived. The top could be wonderful with a pair of denim cut-offs. (Tracy Anderson legs needed). The skirt with a tank and denim jacket worn with sandals could be fresh and hippie chic. Mix it and match it, but whatever you do, make sure you have had a colonic before you wear this (quick flat abs)! I kid. This just demands a killer six pack (two pack is actually fine with me) and a trip to Cannes, don’t you think? I LOVE THIS. I can’t wait to find out who buys it. If you don’t have abs of steel, you can always wear the top asymmetric with a shell and have a little modesty.
Stay chic and sexy,
Missoni silk jersey cream jersey fringe trim two piece with floral and bird motif, c. early 1970s. Tag marked 44, Modern size 4-6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Classically Halston, this one shoulder black and white evening gown is a design for the ages. Constructed of silk jersey, the signature Halston material, this gown features a diagonal opening in the back that goes from the right shoulder to the left middle back. Perfectly balanced, this gown is physical embodiment of yin and yang, and provides the wearer a true sense of harmony.
Halston one shoulder black and white evening gown c.1977. Contemporary size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
If you have not seen
Versailles ’73, An American Runway Revolution directed by Deborah Riley Draper and featuring supermodels such as Pat Cleveland, China Mochado, Marisa Berenson, than you should. The documentary explores a pivotal moment in both American and French fashion, as well as the global perception of African American models in the seventies. Narrated by our darling Cameron Silver the film will screen by the Costume Council on April 22nd at the Bing Theater at LACMA in Los Angeles. Please rsvp at
[email protected] since seating is limited.
If you have been watching
Dukes of Melrose on Bravo you might have noticed Cameron shopping for vintage couture and purchasing an
Anonymous gold sequin gown. The dress quickly found a home with the beautiful and talented actress Meg Tilly which she rocked it soon after on the red carpet. Because Cameron loves a show stopping dress, he managed to find a very similar one a few weeks ago. The dress below is from the same period, constructed in the same way, bias cut with gold sequins all over and a matching belt. We at Decades believe that every woman deserves to feel like a golden statue. And what better an options than this.
-Eri
Anonymous gold sequins gown with belt, c. 1930′s. Will fit size 2 to 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
A real punker would never wear a gown to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Gala aka “The Party of the Year.” It may be the fashion extravaganza of the season, but with an exhibition theme of “PUNK” the last thing anyone authentically punk would wear is a red carpet ball gown. The true punker should turn to one of the great American punk Couturiers, Stephen Sprouse. Throw on a yellow micro mini tunic and camo green thigh high boots and some creative under garment or go commando and be your very own punk High Priestess. If you want to be authentic, this may be one of the ultimate options to wear on Monday, the 6th of May. It’s a real “who gives a F-moment” when you are in something like this and that’s punk! I think Eri is a punk! A punk with panties
Stephen Sprouse (SS’85 label) paillettes top in yellow with matching green graffiti boots, 1985. Top will fit size 4 to 6 and boots are size 38.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This is not a love song,
happy to have and not to have not
Big business is very wise
I am crossing over into e-enterprise
I am going over to the other side
I happy to have and not to have not
Big business is very wise
I am inside free enterprise
I am adaptable, I am adaptable
I am adaptable and I like my new role
I am getting better and better
and I have a new goal
I am changing my ways where money applies
This is not a love song.
-Johnny Rotten
Burberry black croco studded bag, It measures 18.5″X10.5″X6.5″X and 9″ handle rise.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
With Coachella kicking off this weekend the fashion crowd and all the Los Angeles hip kids, are heading off to the desert. Naturally denim shorts and hot pants worn with feather headpieces are a must but one fashionable girl must never forget to pack a chic options. Such as this vintage Chloe summer dress designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself during his tenure at Chloe, known as the headiest period for the brand. And it’s obvious why. Lagerfeld at Chloe captured the essence of the brand which remains to this day the label of choice for all bohemians. Made of a nice silk crepe in cream shade with lace panels draped vertically on the skirt and around the neckline this dress is effortlessly feminine and captures perfectly California dreamin’.
-Eri
Chloe cream dress with lace detail, c. 1970′s. Modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This is Buddha’s hand citron and below is James Galanos halter two piece magnificent creation. This ensemble is made of two separate pieces. The floor length skirt comes with the thigh high slit which can be worn in front or on the sides. The halter top draped over the skirt exposes the back while it drops to the floor. Galanos might have taken inspiration from nature and its offerings but he has shown over and over his undisputed talent and when it comes to dresses, maybe his hand is as precious as Buddha’s.
-Eri
James Galanos jersey halter dress in citron, c. 1960s. Modern size 4 to 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
In 1964 Kansai Yamamoto was the first Japanese designer to show in London, where his clothes were seen by David Bowie who later commissioned Kansai to design all the costumes for Ziggy Stardust persona. The famous jumpsuits that Bowie wore, all inspired by Japanese fairy tales and kimonos, are currently on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum of Art and Design in London as part of the David Bowie retrospective. Concurrently David Bowie is the focus of a new concept store opening today at Selfridges in London, and Decades has contributed with a selection of pieces inspired by Bowie’s iconic style. Of course we sent some Kansai pieces to London but still kept a few pieces here in Los Angeles. These unisex sport jackets and sweaters are a very important part of Japanese fashion history as well as Bowie’s legacy and his remarkable stage persona and style. So if you have ever loved David Bowie you will need one of these Kansai sweaters. Than you will be part of the cool kids club.
-Eri
Kansai sport jacket with dragon embroidery in green and black, c.1980′s. Modern size L SOLD
Kansai sport jacket in wool with leather sleeves in black, c.1980′s. Modern size M SOLD
Kansai red wool sweater with logo, c.1980′s. Modern size L SOLD
Kansai button down reversible wool sweater with logo, c.1980′s. Modern size L SOLD
Kansai brown and black sweater, c.1980′s. Modern size M SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
If Vionnet is known as the inventor of the bias gown in the 1920s, it’s fair to call her the Mistress of the Bias. After all, American designer Charles Kleibacker earned the title “Master of the Bias” in the 1960s Kleibacker is not a label that comes to Decades often enough, but I have always found his history quite interesting. Born into a retail in Cullman, Alabama, Kleibacker started his career as a journalist, worked as a bit of a “Mad Man” in advertising for a NYC department store, and then when living in San Francisco met the famous cabaret singer Hildegarde and joined her entourage as a chauffeur! (For those who know my cabaret past, you can imagine how cool this factoid is to me. I actually shared a stage with Hildegarde back in the 1990s). It was while joining Hildegarde on a European tour and waiting for her during a couture fitting at Christian Dior that he realized his passion for fashion and from 1954 to 1957 he worked as an assistant to Lanvin’s Antonio del Castillo. Kleibacker opened his eponymous house in 1960 and his gowns cost around $1500 and were very labor-intensive. Upon retiring from fashion, he went on to become a museum curator and professor. In can be evidenced by this silk chiffon gown of a “kashmir” print that Kleinbecker knew his way around fabric and beautifully manipulates this Hindu motif print of foxes, rams, and other lucky charms into a silhouette reminscent of a sari, but toally ready for Hollywood or Bollywood!
-Cameron
Charles Kleibacker one shoulder printed chiffon dress, c.1970′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Easter Sunday I always do brunch with my parents. The other thing I always do is transfer my closet from fall to spring. It seems rather absurd to do considering I am an Angelino who really doesn’t have to deal with a hearty winter, but I still enjoy the tradition and thankfully I travel a lot so there are opportunities to wear the triple-ply cashmere, fur lined boots, and cornucopia of coats when I head east during the fall and winter. However, I am sure the crocuses are ready to reveal their gorgeous irises so soon enough flowers will be filling your gardens and why not adorn yourself in flowers by Adolfo? Adolfo may be best known for his Chanel inspired ready-to-wear that he started in 1962 (after being an apprentice to Balenciaga and conquering success as a milliner), but decades of design proves that he did much more than a boucle suit. This late 1970s silk dress is the perfect elegant spring evening dress that is ideal for weddings or a chic garden party. You could even wear it tomorrow, but I would hate to see someone hunting for eggs in Adolfo. Black silk crepe with a print of white and red roses on an incredibly figure flattering silhouette (always love a good V-seam) is a guarantee that YOU will be receiving your bouquet of roses.
-Cameron
Adolfo floral strapless silk crepe dress, c. 1970′s. Modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Most people like to show off their family jewels and wear their bling with a ring on every finger, their neck adorned with rubies and sapphires, wrists stacked high with precious gems… but Alfred Bosand is taking a different approach in this sophisticated nude gown that actually covers the embroidered bugled beads with a layer of chiffon. We’ve had variations of this dress before which I think is the epitome of sophisticated elegance. You know you are chic, confident, and VERY rich when you aren’t advertising your family jewels.
Wishing everyone a very Good Friday.
Alfred Bosand chiffon and beaded evening dress, c. 1960′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Would you buy a dress from Gennaro Muscariello? Just like Ralph Lipschitz (aka Ralph Lauren), Muscariello gave himself a more memorable name: Rocco Barocco. This is our first RB piece at Decades and it’s from the early 1980s (Barocco began designing in 1962; starting his eponymous label in 1974). This dress reminds me a bit of a 1940s Eva Peron arriving in Buenos Aires and ready to conquer Argentina. It also reminds me of Marc Jacobs groovy Fall 2013 show with the bold 1970s prints and big Ara Gallant hair! It’s no secret that I am mad for prints and love fashion through the decades so have a fashion time warp in this 40s inspired-silhouette with a fab 70s print from the early 1980s to be worn with Charlotte Olympia Dolly shoes, of course!
Rocco Barocco navy print silk crepe summer dress, c. early 1980′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The Birkin may be Hermès most in-demand bag, but we are really feeling the Kelly these days. This particular piece is not your average Kelly: it’s foldable, features a buckle closure and strap, and comes in a supple, smooth leather called Swift. It is in perfect condition only gently carried few times. It’s beautiful to see and touch-what more could you ask for in a bag?
Hermès 32cm Kelly Bag in Foldable Swift Leather, Etoupe, 2007. With original box and dust cover. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The debut break out star of
DUKES OF MELROSE is Ms. Eri Hoxha who will be making her first speaking engagement tomorrow, Thursday March 29th at the fabulous
OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN. Fight for a ticket. Eri is majorly famous right now. Soon she will be speaking in front of the UN! She has a fascinating arc on tonight’s episode involving a bunch of Biba. Who doesn’t want a bunch of Biba in their life? -Cameron
We all need a
colichet in our life! That little something extra like a statement piece of jewelry or a trinket on your coffee table. It’s that unexplainable certain something that you never knew you needed until you first encountered it. This late 1960s brilliantly knit wool sweater bares the label
Christan Dior Colichet and that’s exactly what it is: a watermelon rope neck knit with bell sleeves and the most clever geometric pattern. It’s perfect for transitional winter-into-spring weather and Eri styled the sweater with a pair of faded Chanel jeans a la Jane Birkin. So casual and chic and totally colichet. Perfect for watching tomorrow’s episode of the internationally acclaimed docu-drama that is climbing up the Nielsen rating charts and causing an absolute seismic shift in fashion,
Dukes of Melrose. Please feel my sarcasm.
Christian Dior wool sweater in watermelon red, c. late 1960′s. Will fit modern size 2 to 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
If there has been one ubiquitous trend that we have seen played out to death this season, it is the Louis Vuitton check collection. The check looks were utterly charming when first descending the LV escalator runways, but after seeing what appears to be every A, B, C, and D-list actress wearing a version of the look on the red carpet, I say “good riddance checks” and give me my dots! Dots aplenty exist on this blue jersey and silver lurex knit wrap dress from late 1960s Lanvin. A great antidote to the LV check, no?
Lanvin navy and silver wrap dress, c. 1960′s. Modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
It is Hermes. It’s alligator in matte chocolate. And it’s brand new in the original box. She only came out today to be photographed.
Hermes Birkin 35cm in chocolate alligator with palladium hardware. 2012. Brand new in box. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
It is true that a sheer dress can be a bit off putting as it is hard to figure out how to wear it. But it is actually easy and there are many ways you can make a great outfit with just this one dress. You can wear it with a slip, a black bra and black high waisted biker shorts, over a bathing suit, or over nice lingerie serving dinner to your lover at home. The sheer chiffon trend was all over the runways this season and the 30′s madness continues as we await Downton Abbey’s season 4. This is the dress Lady Mary would wear to seduce her husband number two. And for those heading to Coachella 2013 this spring, wearing this dress over denim shorts will make you stand out in the sea of suede boots, feather hats and fringe.
-Eri
Anonymous 30′s black sheer chiffon dress with printed collar and belt. Modern size 4 to 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Gianni Versace didn’t always design with sex fantasies in mind. At times he created dresses that were not leather but in colorful printed chiffons and silks, jackets and skirts that were not all built in bondage and leather straps. He loved color and green was a very powerful color for the Casa Versace. Here we have a Versace skirt suit that sure comes close to redefining the suit, with its simplicity and intricate black stripe arranged in a spiral twist, will surely make you feel powerful and sophisticated. It is very chic to feel strong.
-Eri
Gianni Versace green wool skirt suit with a black circle pattern, c. 1990′s. Modern size 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We might like a lil boho but there is nothing more we like than a Kelly in black with gold hardware. And lately we have had a few arriving in the store. This Hermes Kelly in 35cm is in great condition with the shoulder strap and its original dust cover. It will make a chic lady very happy.
-Eri
Hermes Kelly 35cm in black box leather and gold hardware, 1994. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Why does Daylight Savings make me so jet-lagged? It’s just an hour to spring forward, but I feel so sleepy today which is why I need to blog a pop of spring chic in this beautiful 1930s dress. The primary stroke print on white silk is a nice Visine eye-opener along with the beautiful shoulder swag treatment and cowl back. If you like you can gather the fabric over your shoulders a bit tighter and show off your toned deltoids. I love a nearly one-hundred year old dress that looks like it could hang at Saks Fifth Avenue today. That’s what Decades is all about: Vintage that looks Modern!
For a good time, follow me:
Anonymous 1930′s colorful print dress with shoulder swag/cold. Modern 4-6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Hello Mid-West,
Please join DECADES at Space 519 for our Windy City fabulous CHICago trunk show.
Come to the fab store Space 519 on the 5th Floor of 900 N. Michigan Avenue.
If you visit Saturday morning between 10 am to around 12 pm, I will be there and be delighted to sign copies of
DECADES: A CENTURY OF FASHION while you shop but before you drop!
Love,
The new sexy is not to look sexy. Call that an oxymoron, but Pier Paolo and Maria Grazia have beautifully given women the confidence at Valentino that covered and prissy can be very seductive…just as much as letting it all hang out! This 70s dress could have been featured on a recent Valentino runway, but you won’t be able to find it anywhere except Decades. A black silk floral print beautifully made with a fine silk chiffon lining and honey-comb pleated skirt and black silk sash, turn around and the rear keyhole is a nice suprising touch. We have no idea who made it but sometimes it’s good to add a little mystery into you life as that’s very sexy!
Anonymous printed silk jersey boho dress, c. 1970′s. Will fit a modern size 2 to a small 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email blog@decadesincMelrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Here is Team Decades aka The Dukes and Duchesses of Melrose at a photo call for our NYC premiere and because we are Decades, here is the low down on what we wore:
ME - GIVING YOU FULL FREAK IN VINTAGE PACO RABANNE HAUTE COUTURE
JARRED - GIVING YOU WALL STREET SERIAL KILLER IN PAUL SMITH
MEGAN - GIVING YOU I AM IN VINTAGE BUT DIDN’T BUY IT AT DECADES
ERI - GIVING YOU A PREVIEW OF OUR SHAMASK RETROSPECTIVE IN VINTAGE RONALDUS SHAMASK
BILLY - IN FRINGE FABULOUS ISABEL MARANT AND GIVENCHY
CHRISTOS - GIVING YOU CHAMPAGNE FIERCE IN MUGLER
MARCUS - READY TO FLUFF YOU IN TEDDY TINSON BOW TIE &
VALENTINO
DID YOU WATCH WHAT HAPPENED? Tweet me your thoughts!
-Cameron
As if we haven’t been beating you over the head with a scepter to announce the March 6th debut
DUKES OF MELROSE on Bravo TV, there was much discussion about how we should promote the show within our actual storefront window. Because we are Decades, we went subtle and sophisticated with Dukes and Duchesses. Anywho, watch what happens on March 6th and PLEASE dress chic for the debut. Our suggestions below are from Jacques Fath and Paquin. Get the picture!
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
If the Kelly is a super dressy bag for you then the Hermes Jypsiere is the perfect everyday bag. It is a casual version of the Kelly and the adjustable shoulder strap will make the bag sit at the hip. Launched in 2008, this very elegant take on a messenger bag is for a younger Hermes lover. The bag has been used only once and comes with it’s own box and dust bag. Life can be a fairytale when the Hermes fairy visits.
-Eri
Hermes Jypsiere Graphite Clemence 34 cm, 2012. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Belting an oversized tee or shirtdress is always a solution to create an effortless look. With a vintage Chanel belt like this one you can take a simple shirtdress and make a statement outfit. The beautifully colored glass stones are set on gold, and linked together by gold beads. The belt measures and will fit a size 0 to a 6.
-Eri
Chanel belt with multicolored glass stones and gold beads, c. 1980′s. Measures 36 inches. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I have a dream! I want television viewers (whether at a party or on a couch) to get DRESSED UP on Wednesday, March 6th to watch
DUKES OF MELROSE on Bravo at 10 30 PM. Tweet me your chic looks but if you are questioning what to wear, come visit us at our NYC trunk show and we will style you for just in time for your close up!
Wednesday, March 6th and Thursday, March 7th 10 am to 6 pm 583 Park Avenue
All stars were out last night to celebrate with Decades family the launch of our brand new TV show “The Dukes Of Melrose” premiering on March 6th on Bravo TV.
The ladies wore Decades vintage and modern and we wanted to share some photos with you. It has been a busy month for us with award season and the upcoming TV show and that is why we have been missing in action on the blog. Off we go now to celebrate with our New York friends! Check back the blog for more updates on new vintage and for more exciting news from Decades.
-Eri
Morena Baccarin in vintage Madame Gres, c.1950′s.
Leven Rambin in vintage YSL tux suit, c. 1980′s
Sophia Bush in vintage Halston, c.1970′s
Isabelle Furhman in vintage Norell, c.1960′s
Rose McGowan in vintage Chanel, c.1980′s
Leslie Bibb in vintage Halston, c. 1970′s
Garcelle Beauvais in Oscar de la Renta.
Perrey Reeves in vintage YSL Haute Couture, c.1980′s.
Rachel Griffiths in Lanvin
Lisa Rinna in Oscar de la Renta
Abigal Spencer in Dolce and Gabbana
*All photos from Just Jared
Every fashion magazine or designer tells you what is a must have. The only true must haves when it comes to accessories are one of these two bags or better yet, both.
Hermes Constance in black with gold hardware and Hermes Kelly in box leather in black with gold hardware make dressing up so much easier. The perfect bags to go with everything.
They come from 1994 and in very good condition.
Hermes Constance 23cm in black leather with gold hardware, 1994. SOLD
Hermes Kelly 35cm in black box leather with gold hardware, 1994. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Paco Rabanne was the first designer to recycle. He played with materials that were at the time unconventional. Coming from an architecture background and working with jewelry, he understood shapes and what could materials be transformed into. He experimented with chain-mail using it as fabric or leather. His famous “Le 69″ chain-mail bag was revolutionary and continues to be reinvented and reinterpreted today. This vest is clear demonstration that fashion when daring can be spectacular. A puff vest in chain mail for the punk inside of all the ladies and gents.
Paco Rabanne gunmetal unisex chain mail vest, c.1990′s. Marked size 36. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Now that the leg has replaced the midsection as fashion’s erogenous zone du jour (I have never been a fan of midriff revealing fashion), this 70s Oscar de la Renta goes just high enough AND covers you up at the same time. Say what you want of ODLR’s recent collaboration with John Galliano (sadly the controversy of the “partnership” appears to be eclipsing the talent of ODLR), the truth is, this Oscar knows how to make an Oscar-friendly dress and can work his magic with or without the support of the controversial Galliano. This collab does seem rather odd to me and I do hope ODLR is remembered more for his collections over the last forty plus years and not simply for bringing John Galliano out of obscurity.
-Cameron
Oscar de la Renta black sequin gown c.1970′s. Modern size 4-6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We haven’t put anything up on the blog in over a week! Sorry, I went to fashion week and Eri has been working her buns off with fittings galore for everyone from Lana Del Rey to Freida Pinto. We’re baaaack! We are still super crazy and multi-tasking but we couldn’t ignore our beloved fans out there “in the dark.” The famous Travilla Marilyn Monroe pleated cream halter Seven Year Itch dress is one of Hollywood’s great fashion visuals that constantly inspires designers. Jean-Louis Scherrer must have been feeling the roar of a subway over an iron grate billowing air and making a dress blow in the wind when he designed this navy pleated crepe evening dress. A constantly flattering silhouette that allows you to have your Marilyn moment although I doubt anyone will be taking the subway in this!
Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture navy pleated dress c.1980′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I have been living out of a suitcase for the past five weeks going from fashion week to fashion week while promoting my book. Basically my life consists of packing and unpacking while saving on hotel laundry bills by hand washing my unmentionables in the bathroom sink! Sometimes I truly envy the ease of a woman’s wardrobe as is demonstrated by this Anonymous custom purple chiffon draped goddess gown. When I travel and know a black tie is imminent, I have to pack my tux, pleated shirt, cufflinks, socks, evening slipper, bow tie, pocket square, and cape (oh yes, I do wear a cape). A gorgeous woman need only this gown and a pair of heels to look spectacular. The dress can easily fit in a carry on. She can top the dress with anything from a black slim tux jacket to a chinchilla and accessorize with subtle or bold bijoux. Plus you get to carry a minaudière. Us dudes rarely have enough pocket space for our phone, wallet, mints, and cash, so now I carry a man bag, too. My word, it seems like an entire suitcase is devoted to one night. Luck be a lady tonight, a little draped chiffon and you don’t even have to wear undies! Sorry, I simply can’t go commando in a tux!
-Cameron
Anonymous Purple strapless custom French goddess gown c.1980′s. Modern 6-8.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Not many of you will equate Wendy O. Williams, the Queen of Shock Rock and front woman of legendary punk band, the Plasmatics, as a fashion influence on selections at Decades. However, when this early 1990s Paco Rabanne came our way with dramatic plastic straps and side panels, I was reminded of the Mohawk-wearing and often nearly nude performer who liked to blow up equipment and simulate sex on stage! Somewhere in my storage is their 1981 album Beyond the Valley of 1984. With the upcoming MET exhibition theme of Punk, here is a dress that is totally punk and requiring a very wicked-wearer with an equally wicked-bod.
-Cameron
Paco Rabanne black cut-out plastic strap dress, c.1990′s. Marked size 10, Modern size 4-6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We all agree that this has been the worst red carpet season ever with very few exceptions, Anne Hathaway in Chanel Haute Couture being one. Whether it is a matter of taste or obligations, the red carpet ladies have been un inspired this season. We at Decades always advise that when in doubt trust the master of classic elegance; Monsieur Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. This dress below is strapless light weight chiffon with a stunning pin; a blue Gripoix stone in the center surrounded by pearls finished off by three pearl ‘pillars’ and a jade stone. The suspended sleeves with a bow and slit, add femininity to this fabulous gown. It is timeless, sexy and the dark navy, that we love so much, is a great alternative to black. In perfect condition and red carpet ready!
-Eri
Chanel Haute Couture navy chiffon gown with brooch and detachable sleeves, c. 1980′s. Modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I love to buy things that make me question “why am I buying this?” This may seem totally impractical, but I am drawn to things that confront and confuse me. Those are the types of objects that make us progress creatively. This Anonymous possum vest is a WTF fabulous example of something that may not have an exact position in your closet at time of purchase, but will suddenly inspire you. I actually would love to to see it worn a little rock ‘n roll: ribbed tank and leather leggings with super angry heels. How would you style this and how would you describe it? Yes, it’s weird and wacky and totally fabulous.
-Cameron
WTF possum fur vest brown (no label) size 2 (very small armhole), c., who knows! SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Most iconic movies have an iconic star in an iconic dress. Jeanette MacDonald shines in MGM’s spectacular movie San Francisco with Clark Gable as she sings her heart out wearing an Adrian custom made pink chiffon gown with maribou feathers. Jeanette MacDonald was a famous American soprano in the 20′s and 30′s and with her fiery ginger hair and pale pink gown she made such a big impression singing San Francisco in the movie with the same title, that now the song is the official song of the city.
You don’t have to be from San Francisco to want this dress, you don’t have to be a fan of Jeanette MacDonald (we will never understand why, but we promise no judgement) but if you want to own a piece of American fashion and film history, this is the dress for you. The dress is quite stunning and feminine in a very light embroidered chiffon and soft maribou feathers. The inside label notes that this is the third look designed by Adrian for Ms. MacDonald for the movie.
-Eri
Adrian custom made gown in pink chiffon with maribou feathers and embroidery, 1936. Modern size 2 SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I don’t need to get too descriptive other than confirm that this is the best authentic Deco flapper dress I have seen at Decades in the fifteen long years since we have been making you look sexy. Sexy this is: a deep plunge of black bugle beads trimmed in crytal “glitzy” strass. The more daring of you can lose the modesty chiffon panel across the bust and dance the Charleston or whatever the kids are doing these days all night long.
-Cameron
Anonymous black beaded flapper dress with rhinestone bands and chiffon inserts, c. 1928. Modern size 4-8. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Happy New Year… Over the years I have been rather quiet on the old blog and I don’t make many appearances nor have I had anything really witty to say but today I have to make an exception. Unfortunately it won’t be very witty, but with the new year in full swing I think we (really Jeff) might have just out done ourselves and set the barre really high with such a beautiful window to start the year off that we may be in trouble. But it could also mean that Two Thousand and Thirteen is going be an incredible year for Decades and maybe just starting off with these amazing Dior Gown’s is what will keep us on point. Another unfortunately is that these INCREDIBLE gowns are a true size ZERO so ladies don’t feel bad because to be honest with you all they should only be worn to an Inauguration or sent straight to a very very special Museum. Enjoy! Bravo Jeff!
-Jarred
Christian Dior Paris, Haute Couture gown in gold, autumn/winter 1963. Modern size 0.
Christian Dior Paris, Haute Couture gown in pink, autumn/winter 1962. Modern size 0.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
What’s in a name? Madame Carven started her eponymous Couture house because she was petite (5’1″) and couldn’t find anyone who specialized in small women. In 1945 she went from architecture and interiors to architecture for your elite petite exterior! Madame Carven aka Carmen de Tommaso turned 100 in 2010! She retired from designing at 84 and her label is now part of the new wave or reviving storied French Houses as contemporary priced collections that were once affectionately called “bridge.” This is the success of Kenzo and Carven. Which name next will be revised and made cheap and chic? This Madame Carven dress reminds of current L’wren Scott and Roland Mouret dresses. A beautiful silk flocked floral pattern with a very unusual asymmetric neckline and flattering draping over the hip. It looks both of its era and of tomorrow. I love the combo. One need not be petite to apply!
-Cameron
Carven Paris flocked satin black and gold cocktail dress, c. 1960′s. Modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
It is vintage Celine. Since the print on print trend seems to linger on and undoubtedly will have a comeback sometime in the next couple of years, why not stock up on some amazing print shirts from 70′s Celine. Celine has changed over the years, what started as a children’s shoe store in 1945 in Paris by Madame Celine and her husband, is globally today the epitome of contemporary minimalism in womenswear with Phoebe Philo as creative director. In the seventies, after a car accident left Madame Celine stranded on the side of the road near Arc de Triomphe, inspired by the surroundings she created these famous prints. The shield, link and chain motifs inspired by parisian architecture will become the house’s signature. The following shirts, all in perfect condition, can be worn with just jeans (short, skinny or flared) or printed skirts and trousers for a more dramatic look. It is easy to wear Celine and look put together and effortlessly chic.
-Eri
Celine cotton jersey shirt with flower print in beige and bronze, c. 1970′s. Modern size 4.
Celine cotton shirt with chain print in black and gold, c. 1970′s. Modern size 4.
Celine cotton shirt in chain print in light brown, c. 1970′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
Celine cotton jersey shirt with neck tie in brown, c. 1970′s. Modern size 4.
Celine shirt in light cotton with flower print in navy, c. 1970′s. Modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Usually when I think of crushed velvet I conjure up unfortunate images of heavy metal rockers in leggings or Tim Curry. I don’t know why I think of Tim Curry, but I do. Let’s just say it’s not my favorite fabric, although I do own a wonderful golden Stefano-Pilati designed men’s blazer in crushed velvet that is always met with compliments. Which brings me to this original Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche cherry red crushed velvet wrap gown. I do not conjure images of Sammy Hagar or Tim Curry when I look at this. I think more Dietrich back stage after a show in Vegas. It’s not to suggest this is a “dressing gown” per se, but it has that old Hollywood glamour silent film boudoir vibe, but is made for going out and being comfortable. Remember: don’t sacrifice chic, for comfort. The two can meet. As a matter of fact, chic + comfort has made its match in the dress below. Now have you made your match?
-Cameron
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche velvet robe dress in red, Marked size 36. Modern size 2 to 6 SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
They say cockroaches and Cher will survive a Nuclear Holocaust, but I would also perhaps add Karl Lagerfeld. The ultimate fashion survivor. Has he ever said no to a gig? I’ve recently posted an example of his work for Chloe, but let’s not forgot the myriad of brands on his resume: Balmain, Patou, Mario Valentino, Monoprix, Curiel, not to mention Chloe, Fendi, Chanel, H&M, his eponymous collections, and Tiziani. Tizi-who? Tiziani is actually the name of the Italian fashion house started by Evan Richards, a very non-Italian former singer born from Jackboro, Texas. He came to Rome to sing opera, but by 1963 had opened his own house and hired Karl Lagerfeld design. Lagerfeld stayed until 1969, but left right about the time this dress was made as he quit soon after Elizabeth Taylor engaged Tiziani to design her costumes for Boom! (clink the link for pics of Taylor’s auction which included her costumes) in 1968 and Richards wanted to be the sole createur. The best thing about the film are the costumes and this dress is very ”Boom-bastic.” Let me dissect this dress for you: square gilt rope neckline with tangerine collar balls attached to a heavy coated metallic burlap with the most insane embroidery. Well, he was known as the “Beading King” and this spectacular showstopper is worthy of a queen.
-Cameron
Tiziani Roma “Age of Aquarius” embroidered dress c. 1969. Modern size 4 to 6 SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
It’s no secret that Azzedine Alaia loves Vionnet and has a pretty killer collection of her impeccable bias cut gowns from the 1920s and 1930s in his personal museum. When this wool coat came in I was seduced by the two-tone wool (matte and shiny) as well as unusual back cape detail. But honey, that ain’t nothin’! When I opened the coat I realized it was as if Alaia took the footprint of an iconic Vionnet gown and built the coat around it. Check out Eri’s demonstration showcasing the inside of the dress and notice how the internal construction is separate from the outside of the actual cape attachment.
Alaia black wool coat. c. 1980′s. Marked size 8, modern size 4-6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Are you a Birkin or a Kelly girl? Are you into exotic leather or more casual chic? We have both options for each girl. The Birkin in rouge croco porosus is flashy, but why not flaunt it when you got it!! The Kelly in black box leather has few signs of wear but as it is usual with box leather, it is as easy to restore as it is to show any scratches. Two very different bags for two very different ladies.
The Brikin worn only a couple of times, is almost brand new and it comes with the original box and all its accoutrements. The Kelly comes with its box and dust bag. It is in good condition apart from some scratches on the leather which can disappear after a trip to the Hermes spa.
-Eri
Hermes Birkin 30cm in rouge VIF in shiny crocodile porosus with gold hardware, 2005. SOLD
Hermes Kelly 32cm in black box leather with gold hardware, 2001. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
When you don’t want to wear a blouse, why not wear a Valentino Haute Couture fatto a mano paillette vest trimmed in silk satin? I love that it’s every shade of metallic so it matches everything and ideal under le smoking or solo with a pair of pants. We’ve paired it with a pair of Alaia leggings and I say it works for me, too. With all the award season parties going on this is a perfect eccentric addition to your wardrobe and not basic, boring, or black!
-Cameron
Valentino Haute Couture sequin vest, c. 1969. Modern size 4 to small 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Is there anything more effortless than a caftan? For those who vacationed in St. Barths, you know what I am talking about. For our dear friends in the Middle East, your traditional dress is so elegant. Caftans simply CAN! This Karl Lagerfeld designed wool bias cut dress Chloe borrows from caftan styling and also incorporates beautiful Art Deco embroidery on the sleeves and across shoulder. Its not a caftan but it has the ease and comfort of caftan styling in a trapeze silhouette. I would love this with a pair of suede slippers but for cocktail purposes a pair of pumps might just elevate your height to the “height of fashion.”
-Cameron
PS If you indulged during the holidays and can’t face Spanks, this doesn’t need any extra support!
Chloe burgundy caftan style dress with silk under slip, c.1970′s. modern size 4-6. (no label) SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
When Gaby Aghion founded Chloe in 1952 she also coined the phrase ‘prêt-à-porter.” You see prior to the House of Chloe, it was either Haute Couture or copies of Haute Couture for fashionable women. The ready to wear market was really invented by Aghion and soon thereafter her Couture colleagues developed more accessible and immediately available collections (Givenchy University and most famously Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche — fourteen years later). My ultra-chic Berlin born and bred friend’s mother modeled for Karl Lagerfeld in the 1970s when he was designing Chloe. Every time I visit Berlin she opens her closet a wee bit for me to take some of her choice pieces that Kaiser Karl personally selected for her. I think I am particularly drawn to Chloe because Lagerfeld was so vintage-inspired particularly by his muse at the time, the late Anna Piaggi. Piaggi, in addition to being a fashion icon, was a great vintage fashion collector (way before it was socially acceptable). This is why the looks you will see from Karl’s tenure are so retro: inspiration from the 20s to 40s. This particular chiffon dress is what I might call a tea gown. With a flutter sleeve, attached necker-chief, delicate lace trimmed slip, and charming horticulture print, I wouldn’t be surprised if a Piaggi flea market find from the 30s inspired Karl.
Chloe chiffon”tea gown” dress, c. 1970′s. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I managed to get some sort of food poisoning yesterday so I will start the new year slimmer. In an effort to distract from the nausea, I have spent way too much time on Instagram — seeing friends spending their holidays in places where this Missoni silk jersey caftan gown makes great sense. Think Cabo, St. Barths, Dubai or Rio. I type from bed but I am wearing a Givenchy tee-shirt with my Uggs so trying to be chic and comfortable which is exactly what this 1970s Missoni is all about. A cream (almost tea-stained) gown with attached cape that has a stunning floral print and multi-color fringe. This remains one of my favorite Missoni designs of all time. Various versions of this dress have come our way and it always sells quite quickly because it’s a show-stopper which is just as home on a beach barefoot, as it would be at a grand international wedding with an updo’. It’s a great way to start 2013: comfortable, sexy, iconic.
-@CameronDecades
Missoni silk jersey cream jersey fringe trim cape gown with floral and bird motif, c. early 1970s. Modern size 4 SOLD
(it’s not flawless - post dry cleaning some spots remain, but if I can live with it, can’t you?)For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
What’s everyone doing for New Year’s Eve? If you have somewhere chic to go or even if you are going to stay home, why not dress up? As a matter of fact, I realized that I dress like it’s NYE every day of the week! It’s fun to dress to the nines. Jean-Louis famously dressed Marlene Dietrich in illusion gowns as well as his wife, actress Loretta Young and Marilyn Monroe. This evening dress has an illusion bodice with an attached crystal embellished net shell with a beautiful empire length velvet skirt. It’s what I would call “terribly elegant.” Although I will be in bed on NYE, I will be wearing Sulka PJs. Incidentally, we are OPEN on New Year’s Day. We’ve been so busy at the store between the holidays, Store Director Geoffrey and I decided to start 2013 open and ready for fashionistas!
-Cameron
Jean Louis black velvet gown with crystal net detail, c.1960′s. Tag marked 8, modern size 2. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
By now you might have bought or heard of Cameron Silver’s book Decades; A Century of Fashion available at
amazon.com and
shopdecades.com for a signed copy.
As every decade of the last century is covered by a specific chapter with photos and descriptions of what made a decade memorable, the It girl, and the influential designers. Here is an excerpt from 1910′s as told by Cameron Silver; “Lucile, a.k.a. Lady Duff Gordon, a.k.a. Lucy Sutherland, is often credited with designing the world’s first brassiere, but she was also responsible for bringing the intimacy, delicacy and intricate handwork of lingerie to street clothes, pioneering the concept of underwear as outerwear. Lucile named every dress she created after what had inspired them. Among these “gowns of emotions” were confections called “The Sighing Sound of Lips Unsatisfied” and “A Frenzied Song of Amorous Things.” With gowns that were both closely fitted and demure like this one below, women in 1910′s cut an intriguing figure.”
This anonymous gown, in perfect condition after over 100 years, not only is part of the history of fashion, but it has not lost its charm or fascination to this day.
The ethereal easy going vibe and ivory shade in a wrap around style seems and feel unstructured, even though a light weight corset is built in with a slip that prevent the leg from showing but hints at all the possibilities.
-Eri
Anonymous ivory satin silk and beaded gown, c.1910′s. Modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Haute Couture is not the exclusive domain of the French. The Romans had a very healthy Haute Couture industry famously fronted by Valentino, as well as, Tiziani, Capucci, Schuberth, the Fontana sisters, etc. The tradition still exists and I will actually be attending the Alta Roma shows next month following the Parisian Couture shows. Make sure you follow my Twitter and Instagram
@CameronDecades for the latest from the runways of both Paris and Rome. I will also be in London and Milan for the men’s shows, too. So I promise eye candy for all the sexes.
Speaking of sexy, I wish you could feel this cranberry silk velvet Valentino Haute Couture scoop neck jumpsuit with coordinating jacket trimmed in organza. The original owner became close with Valentino and Tiziani in the late 1960s while visiting her daughter who was attending boarding school in Rome. This chic American woman would coordinate mommy-daughter time while getting outfitted for the season by these legendary Roman couturiers. A jumpsuit is always in style and today the talents behind Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccoli, continue the Valentino legacy and actually did some fab jumpsuits in the current RTW collection. I am such a fan of their work! Have the best of both worlds: wear modern Val accessories with this luxe vintage Couture jumpsuit. You will be the height of chic. Now that’s Alta Roma!
-Cameron
Valentino Haute Couture silk velvet jumpsuit and cropped jacket with organza trim, c. 1969. Modern 4 to 6 SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing
Whatever you decide to wear for New Year’s Eve, this Kelly would go with just fine. Always a classic. It only comes with its original dust cover. Has some wear considering the age, but as with all things Hermes, getting older, getting better. Happy Holidays!
-Eri
Hermes Kelly 32 cm in black crocodile with gold hardware, c. 1960′s. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing
With New Year’s Eve just five days away, what will you do and more important what will you wear? I will probably be in J. Crew sweats and asleep at 9 30 pm PST. However, I am counting on some fabulous Decades clients to really represent and party like it’s 1999 or 2013 or the end of the world or whatever apocolapytic curse may be raising havoc on us. If you want to do it and look timeless at the same time, I am smitten with this sensational Traina-Norell ball gown/evening dress which is the epitome of glamour. When you look back at pictures of yourself from NYE won’t you prefer to look like an icon and not a fashion victim? This 1950s ball gown (unless you truly elite petite the length will hit your ankles or above) has copper sunflowers with metallic gold centers throughout the organza fabric. The sweetheart neckline with ruched bosom and V-straps also has a figure flattering belt and full skirt over crinoline. They just don’t make dresses like this anymore because it is prohibitive unless you are in the market for Haute Couture. A gorgeous pump and diamond studs and you are set. It is so easy to be timeless as we enter a new year becuase this dress will stop time.
-Cameron
Traina-Norell floral silk ball gown with metallic copper, c.1950′s. Modern 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Last night I attended the most lovely Christmas dinner at the home of one of my favorite Decades Ambassadors, Sutton Stracke. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you have probably seen pics of me and Sutton running around Paris, New York, Augusta, and our homebase in LA. The guests were dressed great and I noticed many of the women wore plaid dresses. ’Tis the season, no? I wore plaid Louboutin slippers and felt particularly festive. Plaid is having a moment. Now it’s always in style if you are a Scot, but this Hollywood neckline silk Vicky Tiel Couture dress with flattering ruched waist, full short skirt, and lace with embroidered bust is Home of the Holidays and Highland fancy. Your legs may not measure up to Cyd Charisse in Brigadoon, but fear not: a pair of tights and ankle boots will work just as well as a bare leg and statement Max Kibardin heels. Spread some holiday cheer.
-Cameron
Vicky Tiel Couture plaid silk dress model “Melissa.” Marked size 38 and fits mannequin size 4, early 1990′s. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing
According to the Mayan calendar, today is the end of the world as we know it. Even though we are skeptical of such predictions, we did think about what would one wear for one last day on Earth.
i believe an androgynous look by Yves Saint Laurent, like this le smoking revisited jumpsuit in black wool crepe and silk lapel, would be more appropriate than a party dress. Because it is classic and elegant it could be the best outfit in case we get to meet God or Aliens. God would appreciate how appropriate this look is and you might trick the Aliens into believing that you were a starship commander or a respectful leader. This jumpsuit can look great with a Chanel utility backpack and there are also pockets for your survival essentials. If you’ve got to go, better look chic.
-Eri
Yves Saint Laurent le smoking jumpsuit with belt in black wool, c.1980′s. Will fit modern size 4 to 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I cannot over-stress the importance of a party coat in your life. It is a vital necessity. It solves a myriad of problems: the least of which is that is chic. The paramount problem is how to stay warm and festive. One makes an entrance in a party coat. Decades is all about making entrances and exits and we can’t state enough the value of living your life like you walk on a red carpet. So this holiday season, wrap yourself up in something perfectly seasonally that means business: Oscar de la Renta. Possibly the best the best thing about this coat is that is is made of cashgora. This may sound like the name of a love child blend of Cash Warren and Eva Longoria, but it is actually a cashmere goat blended with angora goat which makes for a great coat with the gilt embroidery and orylag fur trim.
-Cameron
Oscar de la Renta cream embroidered sequin coat with orylag fur trim, c. 1990′s. Tag marked L.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
We have around eight FIRST EDITIONS left at DECADES of DECADES: A CENTURY OF FASHION. If you want to receive or gift a SIGNED copy that is WRAPPED by Christmas, please order here ASAP. After this lot, we will be receiving SECOND EDITIONS which are currently being printed in Italy. The book is a hit and I am very blessed by the beautiful reviews below:
xx
Cameron
“An editorialized take on twentieth-century fashion in a way that befits the legacy he’s created at Decades.” - Style.com
“A chic book, its own supermodel of sorts: tall and slim and faintly exotic. Inside, each of the 10 chapters revisits styles of a different era, all in Silver’s knowledgeable, slightly sardonic voice.” - C Magazine
“Cameron Silver knows more than a thing or two about shopping vintage-he knows almost everything. And he’s putting all of that expertise into his new book Decades: A Century of Fashion , which explores the history of the genre decade by decade, and the lessons vintage can teach about fashion today.” - InStyle
“[Silver] pays tribute to the iconic styles of the past hundred years in lavish, loving detail, zooming in on fabrics, trims and silhouettes.”-Entertainment Weekly
“Visually stunning…It’s an education about the people who create fashion but also the people who bring the looks to life, which, in this decade dominated by the Hollywood red carpet, is more important than ever.”-LA Times
“This hefty and gorgeous coffee table book has Silver’s flashy personality all over it and contains inspiring photographs of iconic women of decades past, interviews with celebrities and Silver’s own words of sartorial wisdom. Want to become an expert on vintage fashion? Read this.”-Fashionista
“An alluring visual record of how a legend wears her clothes.” - New York Times
“Sure to delight any style lover.” - People Style Watch
I wish I had been at Marc Jacobs’ eclectifying Spring/Summer show for Vuitton. I loved all the 60s pop graphic references that reminded me of Rudi Gernreich. Suddenly, this Katherine Hamnett ensemble came in and LV reminded me of one of my 80s fashion heros: Ms. Hamnett. Although best regarded for her graphic slogan tees in the mid 80s, Hamnett knew her way around body-conscious dressing in the same manner that Alaia did in Paris, Dolce & Gabanna in Milan, and Norma Kamali in NYC.
This ensemble is made for the Pilates toned bods that know Lululemon isn’t to be worn anywhere but the gym. Pack this for your St. Barts getaway. The top is perfect with a pair of boy shorts. The leggings will look great with heels and an oversized knit at night. Got ya covered.
Graphically yours,
Cameron
Katherine Hamnett two piece stretch viscose/spandex in black and white pinstripe, c. 1980′s.
Marked size S will fit size 0 to 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I am always fond of navy for evening wear, but navy sequins and Chantilly lace have me particularly enamoured with this naughty and nice Chanel Boutique dress that from the waist up is prim and proper but at the hem is all legs. What’s not to love? Add in a big black silk faille bow and wear this with a pair of Alexander Wang silver metallic tassel pumps and I think you will be kissing someone under the mistletoe.
-Cameron
Chanel Boutique navy sequin cocktail dress, Autumn/Winter 1994. Marked size 38, will fit modern size 4.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I will be signing books on Thursday, December 20th from 6 to 9 pm at HARVEY’S
8155 Beverly Blvd.
See you soon!
Love,
Cameron
PS FIRST EDITIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE. The book’s first pressing has sold out so come get a signed first edition!
The Scottish cashmere makers have fallen on hard times as more men opt for the casualness of a cotton sweatshirt versus the luxury of a soft cashmere pullover. Plus the Chinese cashmere is cheap and chic, but Chanel has always used Scottish mills. This is one of the reasons Karl Lagerfeld brought his Chanel pre-collection to the Highlands in an effort to bring awareness to the traditions of cashmere and wool weaving. If you want to go full the opposite of casual, then opt for a sequin sweatshirt as it is so tremendously nonchalant and rather decadent at the same time. Sweatshirt dressing is all over runways today from Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga to Alexander Wang for, well, Alexander Wang. If Ghesquiere’s “dorky cartoons” were inspired by corporate culture (which may explain his decision to part ways with the House of Balenciaga) and Wang’s sweatshirts are street-referenced, then what will you say of a black and silver sequin sweatshirt? I say it is inspired by the nightlife and glamour. It may seem particularly perfect for this festive season, but I want it worn with a pair of casual shorts this spring in addition to glamorously with a pair of tuxedo pants. This is daywear for night owls. It’s the way I love a woman to dress and of course it is by Yves Saint Laurent!
YSL Black and silver sequin blouse, c.1970′s. marked size L (but really will work on a modern 2 to 10). SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
And right on time for your holiday shopping!! All these Hermes beauties are brand new and come with all their accoutrements (dust and rain covers, lock, key and boxes). Email us or call for more photos or any questions.
Hermes Birkin 35cm in togo leather with palladium hardware in orange, 2010 SOLD
Hermes Birkin 35cm in togo leather with palladium hardware in brown, 2010 SOLD
Hermes Shoulder Kelly 40cm in etoupe in togo leather with palladium hardware, 2012 SOLD
Hermes Paris Bombay bag in togo leather with palladium hardware in dark brown, 40cmx20cm. SOLD
Heremes Colorado bag in toile and gold togo leather with palladium hardware, 30cmx18cmx6.5cm SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
The big dilemma: how to wear prints this fall and next Spring? Of course we say matching! All over print has seen a huge revival. Those days of the color and mixed prints are back with a vengeance. The question is, should one mix the prints or match them….as you can see Cameron Silver is a fan of matching because it makes for a spectacular impression (you can see him in custom made Nicole Miller print ticket suit at the Met Gala 2012 and in a matching print suit Spring 2012 by Mary Katrantzou below). So it would be a no-brainer for us at Decades on how to wear the 60′s Emilio Pucci skirt and jacket here. But if you are not convinced yet, try wearing the skirt with a white blouse and the jacket with leather pants or jeans.
-Eri
Pucci velvet multi print two piece, c. 1960′s. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Not all holiday dresses are supposed to be green or red. Black can be very exiting in a sea of color and make you stand out even more in this time of the year. Like this vintage Valentino cocktail dress which comes already wrapped like a precious gift. You can gift yourself away to the object of your desire or you can just look sexy and chic while you hop from one party to another. And now let the countdown begin for the best holidays ever.
-Eri
Valentino Boutique black velvet and satin cocktail dress, c.1970′s. Marked size 4, will fit modern size 2. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Italian born French designer Pierre Cardin, who turned 90 last July and who recently celebrated 60 years of modern thinking, is one of those designers who has always been inspired by the future. With his forward thinking he defined the 60′s and 70′s and crossed several fashion frontiers in his time. If you, like us, are not thinking about booking a flight to space with Virgin Galactic any time soon, you might need to be happy with galactic inspired designs especially by the man himself, Cardin. This white vinyl coat captures the fantasy of the future just as well, and we’d rather be well dressed than short 200,000 dollars. For now.
-Eri
Pierre Cardin white vinyl coat, c.1960′s. Modern size 4-6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Celebrate our 9th Annual Chanel event on December 8 from 11am to 6pm at Decades on Melrose. If you are not in Los Angeles, no worries, you can click here to preview the collection of all things Chanel and shop online on Saturday December 8th at 11am.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
With Christmas barreling down on us who has time to do anything but shop, so don’t stop now. Black on Christmas is as glamorous as you can get and look it goes great with snow. Could we give a big round of applause to Jeff Snyder for another beautiful window. It is always a pleasure to drive by the store in the evening to check the windows out and these are no different. Thanks Jeff…
-Jarred
“To me the whole point of a caftan is freedom. Men have been striding across the desert for thousands of years in them looking marvelous and being comfortable. There is beauty and sensuality in comfort; that is the caftan’s appeal. Here is one of Rudi’s caftans. It was made of silk and lined in silk. That’s all. It slipped and slid around the naked body and felt like a thousand baby’s hands caressing me.”
-Peggy Moffitt
Rudi Gernreich purple, orange and white silk “sumo” caftan with hidden pockets and fully lined in silk, Resort 1967. Will fit sizes 2 to 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
I think I am on the longest book tour ever, but I am grateful to be hosted by so many lovely people who all seem to have the most divine closets on the planet. Take for example, this vintage Emilio Pucci dress. While being hosted by Atlanta’s Nina Cheney she chose this incredible 60s sheath from her relatives closet and I feel in love with her and the dress….so much so that I asked her if we could have it at Decades. I am rather persuading :) and the dress is here. A scale pattern of psychedelic colors etched with swirling ribbons, this Pucci is in a textured fabric enhanced with gold lurex and the first time I have seen such an unusual fabrication for Pucci.
It’s been said that the only animal that will survive the December 21st Mayan Apocalypse is the cockroach. I like to think the only designer who will survive said apocalypse is Emilio Pucci and certainly as evidenced is this design: Pucci is Forever! This is a great dress for Miami Basel. Who’s going to wear it for one of the 2000 parties happening next week?
-Cameron
Pucci lurex enhanced multi colored print c.1960′s, tag marked 12, modern size 6 SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Your relatives may think a Christmas sweater is the answer to dressing in the season, but I suggest something with a bit more panache and…sequins! This Pierre Cardin mock-neck long sleeve “mermaid” dress has stripes of sequins in gold, purple, aqua, and amethyst set against a base of black sequins. This is a perfect late 1960s hostess dress that may be based in mod styling, but hints at the decadent 1970s disco culture of the next decade. A truly effortless dress that is instant glam without a lot of fuss. Throw it on with heels or flats, strong eyeliner, a lip tint, and look super sexy. Relish the fact that you are in vintage Cardin.
-Cameron
Pierre Cardin sequin gown, c. 1960′s size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Looking at this fantastic Giorgio of Beverly Hills hippie couture dress that has a print worthy of a Klimt painting with quilted cuffs, shoulders, and waist makes me nostalgic for the great Rodeo Drive retailer that really made such an impression on me as kid growing up in 1970s Beverly Hills. Was it the pool table, the bar, the yellow and white striped awning, the club-like atmosphere, the leather chairs and couches, or just the eclectic inventory, A-list client, and equally venerable staff that inspired me in my retail career? Giorgio certainly has helped mold Decades so it is with great pleasure every time a piece comes to us with the original Giorgio label. Luxe Hippie looks never go out of style. It is one of the venerable trends of fashion. It is actually trend-less. I can see a myriad of women wearing this dress and I wonder who will be the lucky owner of a dress not only from Giorgio but also from Decades? Isn’t that double provenance?
-Cameron
Giorgio floral print chiffon long sleeve gown modern, c. 1970′s modern size 4-6. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
As a fashionista, blogger, and avid vintage fashion lover, Eri is an invaluable asset to us here at Decades. I am excited to announce a new section on our
shopdecadesinc.com website where Eri will personally select her favorite vintage items each week making them available to purchase directly from our site! From one-of-a-kind Haute Couture finds to rare and beautifully selected clothing, handbags, and accessories, Eri will be giving all of our avid blog readers the opportunity to make these beautiful treasures their own! Be sure to check back each Friday to see the new and personally selected vintage items Eri knows that you will love to add to your own closets straight from the vintage team here at Decades.
-Geoffrey
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture maroon velvet and satin ruffle dress, c.1980′s. Modern size 4.
Moschino red black and white leather present box bag, c. 1970′s. Measures 6.25″x6.25″x6.25″. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Because Cameron has been on a glorious
book tour and has been visiting more cities than I can count, we miss him dearly here in Los Angeles. And because he is in DC today and tomorrow (click here for more info on that) we thought we would dedicate this blog entry to
Oscar de la Renta. Why? Because Oscar de la Renta dressed many first ladies and signifies American luxury and elegance. And maybe we will soon see Cameron in the White House meeting a very stylish First Lady.
-Eri
Oscar de la Renta Houndstooth cape dress, c. 1970′s. modern size 4-6.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
Ever wonder what the most powerful leaders, business execs and celebrities keep on their desks? Haute Living biweekly “What’s on My Desk” feature takes a look inside the offices and at the desks of the world’s most influential power players.
Click here to read what’s on Christos Garkinos desk.
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
“Yves Saint Laurent has a fifty-fifty deal with the street. Half of the time he is inspired by the street and half the time the street gets its style from Yves Saint Laurent. His vehicle to the street is ready to wear, but behind it all are the superb designs of his couture workroom from which emerged the most beautiful and dashing dresses of the last quarter century. He is without any question the leader in all fashion. Follow Yves down the garden path, there is always a pot of gold at the end”
-Diana Vreeland
Yves Saint Laurent wine satin and lace dress with sash c. 1970′s. Marked size 38, modern size 4. SOLD
For additional information, please email [email protected] or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.
This beautiful dress coat with a pink sash is as dramatic as it is classic. Upon the first look it could be a Yves Saint Laurent, or a Lanvin but this is Chanel Couture from the 60′s. With Madame Chanel still living and very much involved in the business, the House of Chanel saw many designers come and go during this decade, up until 1982 when Lagerfeld was announced as the creative director for the Couture collections
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