ZANY FOR ZANDRA, AGAIN

When it rains, it pours, and right now we are lucky with great Zandra Rhodes dresses that are imminently wearable and wonderful to rediscover. But what do you do with a drop waist dress that some might think would only look great on a super model? Well, you blouse it and turn into a tunic with a simple belt!

With the option below you really get two dresses: the drop waist version AND when bloused, you have a fantastic nymph-friendly tunic straight out of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. (Technically, you really, really do get two dresses: the chiffon drop waist dress which is accompanied by a jersey slip dress, which could be worn independent of the chiffon dress, too). Imagine the drop waist with heels, but when worn as a tunic with flats. You could take this into fall with tights and we might even suggest a pair of boots for someone not afraid to make a bold statement. However, if you are even considering a Zandra Rhodes dress, then we think you have the confidence to wear this dress in a multitude of ways. Like all Decades clients, you are a fashion setter, not follower.




Zandra Rhodes early 80s drop waist black chiffon dress with pearl trim and net neckline Marked UK10/US8 Modern size 6-8. Accompanied by a Zandra Rhodes jersey slip dress, pictured underneath the painted chiffon dress. SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

Accessories Megapost 2: Back to School Edition!

There's a new cultural phenomenon sweeping America... chances are, you've seen it everywhere. Billboards, newspapers, TV... even your kids are talking about it! No, no, we're not talking about High School Musical 2; it's Chanel back-to-school madness! For our second accessories megapost, we're bringing you precious vintage minipurses and backpacks for kids from 1 to 92.

UPDATE: Three out of five sold in 72 hours.... you have to act fast!

There's a certain je ne sais quoi about vintage Chanel quilted bags--we think the gold-toned hardware and sumptous leather only gets better with time. We bring it to you here in classic quilted ivory leather and a fascinating octagonal Mountbatten pink lizard! Both bags feature Chanel's signature gold CC logo and biker chain handles woven with leather. Now you can be one of the cool kids, ditching class to smoke cigarettes behind the cafeteria (what else fits in that little bag?).



Chanel Ivory Quilted Leather Purse with Gold CC Closure and Woven Chain, c. 1980s. Measures 5½" x 4" x 2". SOLD


Chanel Rare Mountbatten Pink Lizard Purse in Octagonal Shape with Gold CC Closure and Woven Chain. Measures 7½" x 6" x 2". SOLD


Let's put on our parent hats, now. As cute as that little purse is, your student needs something a bit more practical for the first day of school. Decades has options that will dazzle the studious shopper with Chanel backpacks in three shapes and colors! The first is a simple but chic drawstring backpack in pebbled cognac leather, perfect for the blossoming equestrianne; it shows some slight marking but is generally in excellent condition. Second, a soft suede cocoa drawstring backpack with a playful tassel has just the right flair for the art department. Last, but gothically not least, a signature black quilted calfskin bag to keep your 4th grader on the bleeding edge of fashion.



Chanel Caviar Leather Drawstring Backpack in Cognac with Gold CC Hardware and Chain Straps, c. 1980s. Measures 11" x 12" x 5". SOLD



Chanel Quilted Suede Backpack in Cocoa with Gold CC Hardware and Ornamental Tassel, c. 1980s. Measures 12" x 15½" x 5". THIS ITEM IS NOW AVAILABLE AT DECADES LONDON IN DOVER STREET MARKET +44 (20) 7518 0680. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.



Chanel Black Quilted Calfskin Backpack with Gold CC Hardware and Chain Straps, c. 1980s. Measures 13½" x 14" x 4". SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

Shiny Things Make Us Happy

Shiny things are popular again. There's something alluring about a great lurex dress that's beyond our ability to explain--it's almost like dangling a tin foil toy before the curious paws of a kitten. The first dress, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche from the 1980s, is channeling a Krystle Carrington vibe (in a good way) with a strong shoulder and vibrant color. We're grasping for a pop culture reference that's appropriate for the Jean Louis Scherrer metallic shirt-dress pictured below... Batwoman, perhaps? It's definitely larger than life with a plunging neckline, accordion pleats, and a popped collar.

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Cerulean Satin Dress with Deep V-Neck, c. Late 1980s. Marked size 36; fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD


Jean Louis Scherer Silver Lurex Shirt-Dress with Accordion Pleats, c. 1980s. Marked size 38; fits a contemporary size 6. SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

Hautest of the Haute

If craftsmanship is a good reason to buy vintage, rarity is an added bonus. Why not get both with a sumptous creation by Madame Grés, arguably the greatest of the now-defunct Parisian couturiers? Madame Grés was a master of the craft who perfected the art of draping and pleating in the course of her celebrated career. The black gown pictured below features pleated jersey in a diagonal checkerboard pattern across the bust (it's a feat that took our tailor weeks to restore). The coral dress beneath it suits a woman who favor more color but demands the same attention to detail--this piece employs clever pleating across the straps and along the hem. Madame Grés is seriously collectable, and we suggest that you strike while the iron is hot!


Madame Grés Haute Couture Black Diagonally-Pleated Jersey Gown, c. 1950s. Fits a contemporary size 6 to 8.

Madame Grés Haute Couture Coral Crepe Silk Pleated Gown, c. 1955. Fits a contemporary size 2 to 4.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

Class Acts

One of the hardest occasions to dress for is a wedding. Doesn't it seem that the bride-to-be has it easy? Wear a large, pouffy, cleavage-bearing Barbie gown and you're golden! Attendees have no such luck--go too demure, and you're essentially asking for a life of singledom; go too sexy, and face the wrath of bridezilla.

We've got two superb solutions to this all-too-common dilemma. Don Loper brings us our first dress, a vision in floral café au lait lace and chiffon (for those of you who are unfamiliar with Mr. Loper, he was the first and only stop for Hollywood's glitterati in the 1950s). Our second little ditty is a floor-length girlsnberry lamé wrap from Mr. Blackwell that's more appropriate for a formal affair. The pleats are vaguely reminiscent of Mariano Fortuny's tea gowns. Classy!

Don Loper Café au Lait Floral Lace and Chiffon Scoop-Neck Cocktail Dress with Open Back, c. 1950s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

Mr. Blackwell Girlsnberry Fortuny-Style Lamé Tea Dress, c. 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to narrow 8. SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

HOT FOR HERVE

A few months ago Kate Beckinsale showed up in a vintage Herve Leger from Decades. It was white, strapless, and a classic bandage design. She ended up on all the Best Dressed lists. Mission accomplished. We just acquired the same dress is black and if you want to end up on all the Best Dressed lists, we suggest you purchase this classic early 90s dress. Longer in the front with a nice swag and build to hold you in and show off what mama gave you. Make your mom proud: wear Herve Leger!

UPDATE: Sold in less than 24 hours.... you have to act fast, friends!

Herve Leger black bandage strapless dress with swag/slit front c early 90s marked size S. Modern 4 SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

ZANDRA WITH A "Z"

On August 17th in The New York Times, Ruth LaFerla profiled the extraordinary Zandra Rhodes and commented on her continued influence on contemporary fashion. A great Zandra is a piece of art and truly these two exceptional designs from around 1981 are delicious examples that also happen to be sexy and timeless.


Zandra Rhodes red chiffon star burst pattern with signature pearl trim empire waist gown marked UK10/US8. Flutter sleeve with handkerchief hemline. c 1981 Fits a contemporary 4 - 8 (cummerbund waist can be taken in depending on your size) SOLD



Zandra Rhodes exceptional black chiffon backless halter gown with corded round neck, zig zag collar and black jersey under slip. Signature pearl trim detail and iridescent applique. SOLD
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

Stunning Dior Haute Couture

Every so often, we come across a dress that is, to invoke an overused cliché, priceless. This particular piece unites two of the most venerated figures of 20th century fashion: it was designed by a young Yves Mathieu Saint Laurent in his second haute couture collection for the house of Dior, Spring/Summer 1959. The artistry apparent in the garment's construction--intricate floral lace, elaborate bodice, layered skirt--is scarcely replicated today, even within the realm of haute couture. Patrons of Yves Saint Laurent or Christian Dior are certain to find this a formidable addition to any collection.





Christian Dior Haute Couture by Yves Saint Laurent Ivory Floral Lace Dress with Wide Ribbon Tie, P/E 1959. Extremely delicate, fits a size 2 to small 4. SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

Emmys Mayhem, Part Deux

We're less than 20 days from the Emmy Awards, and we know that you still need a dress for the big show! At Decades, our top priority is to prevent this....

...from happening to you. After all, no one wants to step out in a dress that's already had its day in the spotlight--or worse, show up alongside Hollywood's starlet-du-jour in a fluffy "Who Wore It Best?" mini-feature. We think the next two dresses are the finest remedy to a fashion faux pas. The first, an iconic ruby red Norman Norell Mermaid gown, glitters in sequin-studded silk jersey with an open back. The second, a puce jersey Galanos halter dress, is eleganty draped from the bodice. Two great ways to shine on the red carpet!

Norman Norell Iconic Mermaid Gown in Ruby Red Sequins and Silk Jersey, c. 1960s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

James Galanos Puce Jersey Halter Dress, Draped From the Bodice, c. 1960s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

The Los Angeles Times recently discovered what you, gentle reader, already know: Decades, along with contemporary clothing counterpart, Decadestwo, packs the perfect one-two punch for sexy, directional fashion finds! Rose Apodaca gives you way more information about your favorite little shop than you ever needed to know in this fabulous piece from Aug. 19th.

Accessories Megapost!!

Husbands of the world, beware: Decades has just received trunkloads of the most stellar bags, belts, and baubles you ever did see! Poring through the stacks of rare and outrageous accessories has got us feeling a sugar high, something akin to a young child punch-drunk on Red Bulls and Twizzlers.

Leading off the festivities is an "It" bag if we ever did see one: a Judith Leiber black snakeskin oversize shoulder bag! Long before Marc Jacobs was a household name, Leiber was giving fashionable ladies chronic back pain with heavy gold chain handles like these. It's biker babe meets disco denizen (one of our favorite combinations).



Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Oversize Disco Bag with Gold Studs and Heavy Chain Handles, c. 1980s. Measures 13½" by 9½" by 6". SOLD


Next, two fashionable Chanel bags in violet--a must-have color for Fall '07. The first is an oyster-shaped evening purse in flawless satin with a gold clasp and chain; it's also stitched with the iconic CC logo on the bottom. The second is a buttery quilted leather satchel with gold hardware and ornamental tassels (fans of this look should check out our red Chanel bucket bag, featured here).

Chanel Violet Pleated Satin "Oyster" Evening Purse with Gold Clasp and Chain, c. 1980s. Measures 8" by 6" by 3".

Chanel Violet Quilted Leather Drawstring Bag with Ornamental Tassels and Gold Chain, c. 1980s. Measures 8" by 7" by 8". SOLD

Finally, we present two decadent belts fit for a fashion warrior. The first is a Judith Leiber black suede number with an oversize gold-plated clasp that would look trés chic with some Lacroix (view here) or Dominique Aurientis costume jewelry (also available by request at Decades); the second is a patchwork belt in suede, rope, patent, and rhinestones with a distinctive arrowhead ornament.

Judith Leiber Black Suede Warrior Belt with Gold Ornamentation, c. 1980s SOLD

Anonymous Suede/Patent Black and Carmine Warrior Belt with Twisted Rope and Rhinestone Detail, c. 1970s SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.